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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…

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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The Maybe* 2020 Retail Report investigating what shoppers want

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Woman shoppingTo gauge the intentions of the British public, Maybe* has gathered 20,000 answers from regions across the UK to understand if and when they'll return to the shops, and what their concerns are when they do.

Statistics gathered include:

  • 90% of people surveyed plan to return to High Street shops
  • 47% of shoppers are nervous about returning to the High Street
  • 45% say they plan to shop less than they did before COVID-19
  • On the positive side, 43% say they plan to shop the same amount on the High Street as they did before COVID-19, and 7.5% say they plan to shop more than they did before!

The report also details the measures that shoppers expect to see retailers introduce in order for them to return through their doors.

Polly Barnfield, OBE, CEO of Maybe* encouraged retailers to read the report by saying "Retailers and Placemakers need be aware of what is making consumers nervous so they know what are the key factors to improve their shopping experience and how to reassure shoppers that they will be safe.

This reports helps reveal the attitudes people have towards returning to the shops but also, the pro-active action that can be taken to get more people back sooner.

We believe that it is vital that Retailers and Placemakers know what shoppers expect and how their concerns are shifting.

That's why Maybe* is delivering this ongoing research, so everyone knows what shoppers want in the 'new- normal' world we find ourselves in"

The results of all UK regions were collected via a series of Facebook posts connected to a Facebook Messenger chatbot. The survey will be re-run regularly.

If there's a question you would like to see added, please join the new Facebook Group.

Download Retail 2020: What shoppers want now.

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