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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…

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

11 Nov 2025

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan... Read more…

Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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How to grow your independent business using new social media techniques

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Every week Maybe* bring you social media tactics and top tips to drive your social media strategy forwards.

They introduce you to real life businesses like The Old Dairy Brewery and My Tiny Little Fairy Studio in Ashford. Both these businesses are independents who are growing their business using social media so you can learn from and replicate their success using new techniques.

 

How using tutorials on social media can drive sales

My Tiny Little Studio is a children's fair accessories and activity business just outside of Ashford. Anneli Woolis creates fairy accessories and activity packs kids for children. Having previously done workshops and kids parties during the pandemic she was forced onto zoom and has thrived. Her Etsy business has boomed and she thinks this is down to her online tutorials and connecting with what customers really want through her shop and instagram.

By using tutorials she has shown how versatile her products are, how you can really get creative and if you are feeling less creative she literally shows you how it's done.

Top tip: Put yourself out there, find your niche and show people what you can do. Making something super easy for someone can really help you sell more and get better testimonials.

 

 

How collaborating within your place through social media keeps you going

Old Dairy Brewery is a Microbrewery based in Tenterden, Ashford. Born in 2010, moved to larger premises in 2014 to brew a range of beers, English bitters and pale ales across the UK mainly to pubs and farm shops and some South Eastern Co-Ops. Having to build their online shop up almost from scratch selling to consumers rather than their main business- pubs, was tough for the team but they used Linked In and collaborated with their local area to stay relevant and focused on keeping afloat.

They found some other breweries and other businesses and monitored them to see how they were keeping people informed to get some ideas. They also found a local Italian food van through social media and teamed up to create more of an experience in their garden.

Top tip: Collaborate within your area. Use the maybe platform to find businesses in your area you can support and perhaps work with. We all need to invite people back right now. Give it a go.

 

With the Maybe* platform, you don't have to be a social media pro to increase traffic and sales. 

Sign up to Maybe* and join the conversation, it's free to get started.


 

 

 

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