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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

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…

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Art and Stationery shops shortlisted as Best Small Shops!

Posted on in Business News

Just one more day until Britain's Best Small Shop 2019 is announced! 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 two amazing art shops and a stunning stationery shop have been named in the running to be Britain's Best Small Shop 2019!

For The Love Of The North

For The Love Of The North is an art shop in Whitley Bay that claims to be the only shop that brings together many of the creative talents from within the North East.

The artists it works with often have no other outlet to sell their products except online & it offers customers the chance to see the artwork up close. Not only does the shop sell products associated with the region but it also offers tourist information and has its own tourist information stand within the shop. Many of the products stocked are exclusive too. The shop also holds a monthly Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan as well as Meet the Artist events and workshops.

 

Cavanagh & Baker

Cavanagh & Baker is based in Shanklin and stocks everything from fine arts to country wines. This small shop brings everything in store from within the 25-mile radius of the island, reducing its carbon footprint.

It prides itself on providing an unparalleled selection of quality products created on the Isle of Wight, coupled with an in depth knowledge and passion for every producer. It likes to think of itself as a 'hyper-local' business, as all sales give back to the local economy and creative community in one way or another. It is also a plastic free business with all bags and wrapping made of paper, reusable and compostable.

 

 Stationery Supplies

Stationery Supplies is a destination for stationery addicts based in Marple, Cheshire. They sell an eclectic mix of beautiful stationery, greetings cards and gifts, from colouring products suitable for 1 year olds through to a birthday card for a 100 year old! They pride themselves on giving friendly knowledgeable service and advice on all manner of stationery products.

For more information about For The Love Of The North, Cavanagh & Baker or Stationery Supplies 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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