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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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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes £5bn Pride in Place programme

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
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Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.
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Cycling Scotland emphasises difference between legal and illegal e-bikes and praises work of E-Bike Positive campaign

18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch... Read more…

Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

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IRC creates Independent Retailers Rent Survey

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Although the high street has now been able to IRCreopen for a full month now, this does not mean the problems caused by the COVID-19 crisis are anywhere near over.

The Independent Retailers Confederation's (IRC) aim to assist high street shops in getting back up and running. This involves the creation of campaigns such as the 'We are open' shop map- a directory of UK shops and small businesses that are still open and operating responsibly during COVID-19, and the Best Small Shops competition- a competition championing indie retailers showing innovation throughout the pandemic. Indie Retail are also temporarily providing free job advertisement to all retailers. 

The IRC believe that when it comes to saving the high street we are all in this together and that the future of the high street is dependent upon all indies surviving. In the most recent efforts to help the high street all IRC members are promoting a questionnaire to gather information on the experiences independent shops have been having with landlords and rent payments.

Many businesses across the high street have been struggling to pay their rents due to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. To date, the only action the Government has taken on this issue is the introduction of a voluntary Code of Practice for commercial landlords and tenants many retailers do not believe goes far enough.

With that in mind, the IRC have created the Independent Retailers Rent Survey. The survey should take less than 5 minutes and will help inform our lobbying with Government, provide us with an idea of what is happening across the market and bring some much needed media attention to the plight of indie businesses across the high street. All results are confidential and will not be shared except on an anonymised and aggregated basis.

Complete the Independent Retailers Rent Survey now  

The deadline for the survey is Friday 31 July.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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