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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…

Independent retail crisis deepens as nearly half see sales plummet compared to last year

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared... Read more…

Independent retailers slam £5.9bn "de minimis" import loophole as Government delays action

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports... Read more…

Criminals undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards collapse

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.
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ACT welcomes Government's new product safety laws

23 Jul 2025

A leading cycle traders association has backed the government's move to protect consumers from dangerous products sold through online marketplaces, following Royal Assent of the Product... Read more…

Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
Read more…

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Freedom To Pay campaign promotes the use of cash in stores

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Consumer groupcash Which? is developing a voluntary cash pledge campaign to advertise cash acceptance in commercial premises.

The Freedom to Pay campaign is based on the belief that cash is a necessity millions couldn't live without, and a backup for everyone when online systems fail. But with banks and free-to-use ATMs disappearing at an alarming rate, Which? have voiced concerns that some people may be left behind.

"We're heading in the direction of being a cashless society, but there are still barriers out there for a lot of people. It's really important people don't get left behind - and I'm trying my hardest not to be." - Gem Turner

Gem is not alone.

Small business owners. Some people living with disabilities. Rural and isolated communities. People who have to live on tight budgets. All sorts of people up and down the country rely on cash.

1.9 million people rely on cash for nearly every transaction they make. And 8 million people would struggle in a cashless society.

Retailers will be able to sign up to the pledge by committing to accept cash as a payment method and communicate this in store. Pledging will allow retailers to signal cash-friendliness to customers, including for those unable to pay using other methods.

The pledge is focussed on retailers selling essential goods and services, is not tied to a specific time period and requires not showing a preference between cash and other payment methods. Retailers signing up will be able to use Which? ‘recommended provider' communications tools and promoted under the Freedom to Pay campaign.

 

Sign the petition

 

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