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Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

Independent retailers warn Spring Statement missed opportunity as geopolitical tensions threaten high street recovery

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy... Read more…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
Read more…

ACT part of coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform

16 Feb 2026

A 18-strong coalition of business organisations and tax experts, including the ACT and led-by its parent company Bira, has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury calling for a... Read more…

Government's pub-only business rates package is "poor decision based on politics", ACT parent company Bira says

29 Jan 2026

The government's decision to give pubs a 15% business rates discount while excluding independent retailers is a "poor decision based on politics rather than what is good for the local economy",... Read more…

Independent retailers demand equal treatment as Government prepares pub rates relief

9 Jan 2026

ACT parent company Bira has has demanded equal treatment for small shops after the government announced plans to water down business rate rises for pubs.
Read more…

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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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