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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.
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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.
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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…

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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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