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Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13... Read more…

Independent retailers to see rates bills soar by up to 15% despite government's "transformation" promises

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has... Read more…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

Independent retailers reject Black Friday as three-quarters refuse to participate

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure... Read more…

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

11 Nov 2025

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan... Read more…

Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

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.
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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.
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The UK's best small gift shops!

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The Best Small Shop in the UK 2019 will be announced tomorrow! The reception is being held in the House of Commons where a winner, 2 runners-up and 2-highly commended shops will be announced!

Over the last 4 weeks Indie Retail have been introducing the shortlisted 25 shops and telling you about the fantastic ways in which they continue to help their communities and why they stood out to the judges. This year we have 3 fantastic gifts shops that will provide you with everything you could possibly need for Christmas, birthdays and even a few treats for yourself!

Joco Interiors 

A gift shop in the heart of Nuneaton that sells a broad range of home accessories and gifts for all occasions has been named on the shortlist of retailers in the running to be named Britain's Best Small Shop of 2019.

Joco Interiors also offers a large licensed product range including Harry Potter and Disney gifts, and a wellbeing station with aromatherapy ranges, incense and crystals. The shop, which has grown over the four years it has been in business to employing five members of staff, also offers greetings card and a free gift wrapping service. It also regularly raises funds for local charities with sponsored events, raffles and fancy dress days.

 

Mooch Gifts And Home

Mooch Gifts And Home is an independent gift retailer with stores in Stourport on Severn and Bewdley in Worcestershire, which celebrates individualism, diversity and design.

This small shop collects for the West Midlands Air Ambulance from both stores and also runs several Shop Trails to encourage footfall around the local traders. From beautiful window displays to clean and inviting shop frontages, customers entering the shops receive a warm friendly welcome from a team who are passionate about providing excellent customer service and presenting unique gifts, cards and home accessories not found in other stores locally. The shops are also active on social media as a way of encouraging footfall into the shops where it champions distinctive items from talented British designers.

Oliver's Brighton 

Oliver's Brighton describes itself as a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World.

This unique shop sells over 500 officially licensed items ranging in price from £1 to £600, from sweets to collectables. The uniquely styled, Victorian design of the shop sets it apart together with an exceptional customer service that has led to more than 2200 for five-star reviews. The shop also supports various charitable activities to raise money for Brighton's Homeless and has partnered with Stonewall to raise money from the sales of Pride badges in store.

For more information about Joco Interiors, Mooch Gifts And Home and Oliver's Brighton 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.

 

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