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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.
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Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

23 Dec 2025

An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT.
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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…

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GCA shows the power of cards during lock-down with emotional film

Posted on in Business News

Award winning artists, and GreetiGCAng Card Association (GCA) members, Lanther Black, have written and produced a film illustrating the joy of receiving a card.

GCA members, ranging from artists, publishers, retailers through to suppliers and agents, have come together during lock-down to share the pleasure of cards.

The GCA are a member of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), a well-established organisation representing c.100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK.

Sending and receiving a greeting card creates a powerful connection. "It's intimate - imagine how it feels to see the handwriting of someone you love, especially a child no matter how old they are". psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw

During the Covid 19 crisis GCA members from across the industry are pulling together to support their local communities, donating cards to care homes and others as we encourage people to send a card to stay in touch with loved ones. Making cards with children is a great fun activity, and they love receiving them back. A greeting card is a great way of delivering a hug during lock-down.

 

 

Find an open greeting cards shop

'We are open' is a directory of UK shops and small businesses that are still open and operating responsibly during COVID-19.

Search for independent retailers selling a wide range of greeting cards for all occasions! Simply enter your postcode to see the confirmed open retailers in your area.
weareopen.uk/open-greeting-card-shops/

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