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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…

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…

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‘Where You Shop Matters' Campain stars Card Retailers Lark London and Halls of Llandaff

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Greeting card retailers, Lark London and Halls of Llandaff are among the independent retailers to star in Visa's current Where You Shop Matters campaign.

Pete Hall (owner of Halls) and Lark's owners, Priya and Dominic Aurora-Crowe all appear in specially shot videos commissioned by Visa as part of the credit card company's commitment to help 50 million small businesses globally to adapt to the changing landscape caused by the pandemic.

In a film, shot of them in one of their six card, gift and lifestyle stores in South London, Priya and Dominic, co-owners of Lark London share how, when lockdown happened, they diverted their efforts to developing their online presence, using Shopify.

For Pete Hall, owner of Cardiff-based Halls card shop, his film appearance is something of a sequel as he also featured in Visa's pre-Christmas campaign to prompt the public to support indies.

Visa said of the campaign:

Independent businesses are the heart of our high streets and the pulse of our local communities. Even though they've been through a difficult time, they never gave up. Through their creativity, resourcefulness and resilience, they've kept on going, adapted and inspired us all. Now they need our support. Visa is working with high street businesses to find new ways to do what they do best, now and in the future. Our local shops and services are finding creative ways to keep serving the communities that rely on them. They're going to extraordinary lengths to stay open. They're counting on us to get behind them. They're asking you to remember that where you shop matters. 

To watch the full video and for more information about how you can get involved visit the Visa website here.

 

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