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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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Businesses offering retail finance can now save hundreds of pounds per year with ActSmart's new initiative

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ActshoppingSmart subscribers will be able to save time and money when offering retail finance with the new Retail Finance Appointed Representative initiative, meaning they get all the benefits of offering regulated finance with no Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) involvement.

Over the past year retail finance has played a key role in sales throughout the pandemic; when comparing Jan 2020 to Jan 2021 applications to purchase items through retail finance have increased by nearly 50%.

With more businesses realising the value that retail finance can bring to their business, ActSmart has now transformed the process to make it easier and cheaper than ever before. The brand new Retail Finance Appointed Representative service will save ActSmart subscribers both time and money on a yearly basis by removing the FCA acceptance and renewal processes.

Key benefits of the new service include:

  • Offer regulated finance to your customers
  • No initial FCA application fee - save £100
  • No FCA yearly renewal fees (except any incurred prior to being appointed) - save a minimum of £150 per year
  • No FCA paperwork - save time and effort
  • Liaise directly with ActSmart not the FCA
  • Offer finance with no subsidies

For more information and to apply for the Retail Finance Appointed Representative service please visit the ActSmart website here or get in touch at info@actsmart.biz.

Please note: Owing to the FCA fee structure and process for changing from a directly authorised business to an Appointed Representative ActSmart will currently be prioritising non-authorised businesses. Businesses that are already directly authorised by the FCA can still take advantage of the cost and time savings by becoming an Appointed Representative but the process will be completed nearer the next FCA reporting period.

All interested businesses should register using the form on this page and we will contact you in due course.

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