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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…

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…

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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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