{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 573


Public vote opens for inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards

24 Apr 2026

Cycling enthusiasts across the UK are being invited to vote for their favourite independent bike shop as the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards enters its final stage.
Read more…

Local Bike Shop Week Awards: Meet the Judges

19 Apr 2026

From our many brilliant entries down to 8 finalists, the judging panel will be evaluating and championing independent bike shops up and down the country that make an impact in their... Read more…

Independent bike shops urged to enter inaugural awards as deadline approaches

16 Apr 2026

The ACT is urging independent bike shops to enter the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards before entries close on Sunday 19th April.
Read more…

First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.
Read more…

February retail sales dip signals growing consumer anxiety, warns ACT parent company Bira

30 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.
Read more…

Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

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…

Back to news menu

ActSmart raises hundreds of pounds for the National Emergencies Trust

Posted on in Business News

net-national-emergencies-trustSince the nationwide lockdown was announced in March ActSmart have been going above and beyond to support retailers across the country. This has included providing regular COVID-19 updates, creating useful resources and collaborating to build the 'We are open' map.

In April, ActSmart also announced that they would be supporting retailers further still by offeringthree months of free access to a range of services and support with the ActSmart bronze subscription. The offer was created with the aim of supplying businesses with key resources that will support and guide them through the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic, whilst also providing donations for a very worthy cause. 

The limited time offer was taken up by a large number of businesses across the UK from a range of sectors, helping to raise hundreds of pounds for a great cause- the National Emergencies Trust (NET).

So far the NET have supported people throughout COVID-19 by distributing money to domestic abuse support charities, delivering care packages to self-isolating people and organising volunteers to support the most vulnerable people in our communities. 

ActSmart would like to thank all businesses that donated during the pandemic, as we appreciate that this has been a hard time for many shops.

You can find out more information about the NET and what they are doing to help during the pandemic on our website here.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.