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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…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

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…

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Download and display QR codes for the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app launched today

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Political News

NHS Test and TraceThe NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app has been launched today, 24 September, in England and Wales as part of national efforts to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The app will work alongside traditional methods of contact tracing to notify users when they encounter someone who later tests positive and it will provide advice on what they should do. Those who use the app will be provided with local risk information and allow them to book testing quickly. The app also has the facility to use a built-in QR scanner to check in at venues required to record attendance.

 

Download and display QR codes

To use the contact tracing app businesses will need to download and display QR codes. The codes will be an important way for NHS Test and Trace in England and NHS Test, Trace, Protect in Wales to contact people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified. The app works in exactly the same way in both nations.

QR posters are unique to each venue - businesses can download posters for their premises here and the FAQs for businesses on QR codes can be found here.

In England, using QR codes will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method, such as a handwritten register, must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don't have the app.

In Wales it is compulsory for businesses in certain high risk sectors to collect and keep records of staff, customers and visitors. Checking in with the app does not replace this requirement. High risk premises in Wales must continue to keep a full record of staff, customers and visitors, including people who check in using the QR code poster for the location.

The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England, and the Test, Trace and Protect service in Wales. It will provide users with local risk information, and allow them to quickly and easily book a free test, and use a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues. The app will allow people to know more quickly if they are at risk of the virus, so they can take action fast to protect their communities and families.

More information about the benefits and functions of the app, as well as further assets for businesses can be found on the NHS website here.

 

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