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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…

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…

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Free Whitepaper: How the retail sector can survive and thrive post-pandemic

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Creative News

As the retail industry once again dusts itself off in preparation for a post-pandemic world, for many there are now more questions than answers about what the future of retail will hold.

Armed with research data from Maybe*, a panel of retail industry experts have collaborated to create this whitepaper with one goal - to help businesses thrive in this new era of uncertainty.

Now is the time to create new partnerships, develop new interesting offers and above all, to "not waste a good crisis".

 

Download the free whitepaper: How the Retail Sector Can Survive & Thrive Post-Pandemic

 

Whitepaper overview . .

Working from home since the start of the first lockdown in March 2020 has forced everyone to be and think more local. That has proven to be a massive opportunity for local retailers to raise their awareness to people in their local communities and there is evidence that people have enjoyed that local connection. So, as the retail sector emerges from the pandemic, the renewed value on localism and local service is likely to endure.

But there remain other challenges and opportunities both in the way physical destinations operate - not least, the relationship between landlords and tenants; how bricks and mortar retailers deploy technology to better effect; and achieving a closer relationship and understanding between retailers and their customers. There is a need incubate new ideas and new retailers to bring them into the High Street and to help them navigate those difficult first couple of years to establish a business model that helps them to operate.

Research conducted by Maybe* highlighted that retailers that are trading most successfully through COVID, aren't really talking about COVID. Take Primark as an example. There is very little mention of the pandemic across their social channels, instead the retailer favours positive messaging. This strategy has resulted in endless queues on re-opening and an army of new, loyal customers.

Within the whitepaper, our panel of sector experts recognise that things need to change, businesses must adapt. This is the time to create new partnerships, develop new interesting offers and above all, to not waste a good crisis. Download the report now to discover how.

Get started with Maybe*

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