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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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Local Bike Shop Day 2021 scheduled to take place August bank holiday weekend

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

FollLocal Bike Shop Day logoowing a survey completed by IBDs and key members of the cycling industry, there has been a majority agreement that Local Bike Shop Day should one again be delayed to late summer.

Local Bike Shop Day is a day for the industry coordinated by the industry. Previous years, 2020 in particular, have seen huge successes with hundreds of retailers getting involved and hundreds of thousands of consumers reached. It is a day to celebrate independent cycle shops across the UK and is designed to appeal to all cyclists - new and dedicated enthusiasts - with the aim of increasing web traffic and driving more footfall through the door of the IBD up and down the country.

Pictured below is owner of one of the 2020 prize winning bike shops, Heather from Saddles and Paddles, who said of her involvement in the day "There's never been a more important time to support local, independent shops and so I was keen to use Local Bike Shop Day to remind people of all the benefits of shopping with us, rather than chains or online stores."

 

Saddles and Paddles
 

 

Local Bike Shop Day has traditionally taken place in May, with the reason for this being to encourage to consumers to visit their local bike shop in preparation for peak cycling season. However, the survey highlighted significant challenges that IBDs are experiencing, including uncertainty of the UK's recovery roadmap, stock shortages caused by the pandemic and Brexit and how long this unprecedented demand for cycling will last.

All set for summer 2021

Throughout the past year bicycles have offered a key solution to many problems currently being faced by isolating Brits across the UK; a safe mode of transport, a way of keeping fit, a way to get fresh air, all whilst enabling the cyclist to maintain a 2 metre distance from others and have minimal contact with surfaces and objects.

The revised date of Saturday 28th August will now fall at an ideal time to encourage children to start cycling when they return to school and to inspire the nation to continue cycling after the seasonal good weather comes to an end.
The information obtained through the survey provided guidance as to when Local Bike Shop Day should be deferred to. The decision for the new date centred on when IBDs will be able to reap the most benefits, as well as that of which follows Government guidelines as the safety of the nation will always be of the upmost importance.

Local Bike Shop Day is an industry wide initiative managed by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT). The ACT are keen to hear any input and ideas that the trade may have to offer in order to ensure that Local Bike Shop Day is once again widely celebrated and valued by IBDs and customers alike. If you would like to get in touch please email info@theact.org.uk.

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