{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 615


Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
Read more…

Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
Read more…

ACT parent company Bira welcomes £5bn Pride in Place programme

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
Read more…

Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.
Read more…

Cycling Scotland emphasises difference between legal and illegal e-bikes and praises work of E-Bike Positive campaign

18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch... Read more…

Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
Read more…

ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

Back to news menu

Eco-friendly shops shortlisted in Best Small Shops competition!

Posted on in Business News

There is now only 1 week to go until the Best Small Shop in the UK for 2019 is announced at the reception in the House of Commons!

Over the last couple of weeks we have been introducing you to the fantastic shops that have been shortlisted and telling you about the wonderful ways in which they continuously help their communities and why they stood out to the judges.

These two shops stood out in particular due to their care for the environment and the ongoing sustainability of their shops. The Recycled Candle Company and The Naked Pantry New Forest go above and beyond to ensure their products are environmentally friendly while still maintaining excellent customer service!

The Recycled Candle Company 

The Recycled Candle Company, which moved into its new shop in Exeter in June this year, sells candles fragranced with its own bespoke scents created in collaboration with a UK-based French perfumier.

With the ever-increasing costs of commercial and non-commercial waste disposal, this shop collects scrap candle wax and takes it away to be recycled and given new life by melting it down, cleaning, dying, and scenting it.

The shop includes a space for candle-making workshops, guest classes or hot-desking, and customers who donate used candles receive a discount whilst the shop's loyalty card rewards returning customers. Last year the retailer initiated a Golden Ticket scheme with other local businesses; tickets were given to customers to use as payment against purchases in the run up to Christmas.

The Naked Pantry New Forest

At The Naked Pantry New Forest customers can bring their own containers to refill with all their kitchen pantry items, household cleaning products, personal care items, and toiletries.

The shop helps the local community reduce its waste by collecting several different waste streams for recycling by TerraCycle and donate all the proceeds to a local hospice. It is a collection point and event host for the local free school uniform swap organiser and has also signed up to be community leaders for becoming a plastic free town. The Naked Pantry is passionate about helping its community to become less dependent on plastic packaging and reducing food waste. 

For more information about The Recycled Candle Company and The Naked Pantry New Forest you can visit their pages in the Indie Retail Shop directory. Keep up to date with the Best Small Shops competition by following our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.