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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…

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Download the Indie Retail face covering poster to inform customers and staff of the new law

Posted on in Business News

It is now compulsory for all retail workers in England to wear face masks from today.

As detailed in the below guidance, colleagues are not required to use a face covering where there is a physical barrier, such as a Perspex screen, between the colleague and customers:

Face coverings must be worn by retail, leisure and hospitality staff working in indoor areas which are open to the public and where they are likely to come into contact with a member of the public, for example shops, supermarkets and restaurants. If these businesses have taken steps in line with HSE guidance for Covid-19 Secure workplaces to create a physical barrier between workers and members of the public then staff behind the barrier will not be required to wear a face covering.

Colleagues are also exempt when they are not in a customer facing environment (e.g. stock room), if they have a hidden disability or another health condition, or if they are with someone who relies on lip reading to communicate with them.

For further information please see the government website here.

Indie Retail has created a Face Covering Poster for shops to display outside to inform customers and staff of the new law.

Download the Indie Retail Face Covering Poster now

 

Additional Resources

To help independent retailers Indie Retail recently teamed up with The Behaviours Agency to create a selection of Covid-19 Behavioural-led retail posters specifically designed to adhere to Government and BRC guidelines.

Intended to help keep customers and employees safe and well in a retail environment, they inform them of:

  • the steps being taken to meet the Government's guidance
  • the expectations of customers and employees to ensure the Government's guidance is met.

To download, simply click on any of the posters below:

 

COVID-19 Indie Retail Think Distance Think Cow COVID-19 Indie Retail Think Shop Alone  COVID-19 Indie Retail Thinking Of You
COVID-19 Indie Retail Think Clean  COVID-19 Indie Retail Think Contactless COVID-19 Indie Retail Thank You For Thinking
     

 

 

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