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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.
Read more…

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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House of Commons thanks greeting card company Bexy Boo for community support

Posted on in Business News

AGCA member of the The Greeting Card Association (GCA), Bexy Boo, has received a letter of thanks from the House of Commons for all the work she has done to support her home town of Knutsford.

The GCA are a member of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), a well-established organisation representing c.100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK. 

As the founder and creative maestro of card company Bexy Boo, Bex Hassett's focus is usually on creating lovely greeting cards that are posted to bring joy and support.

However recently, she was pleasantly surprised to receive a special piece of post, from a top address.
When Bex opened an envelope and spotted the House of Commons letterhead, she "honestly thought" that she "had done something wrong", but it was quite the opposite.

The letter was from Tatton MP Esther McVey thanking Bex for all the work she has done to support her home town of Knutsford.

In the first lockdown, Bex drew an illustration of people wrapping their arms around Knutsford High Street.

 

Esther McVey, MP from Tatton

Above: Esther McVey, MP from Tatton.

 

"The reaction was amazing with residents saying that they would like to purchase the artwork. So, in this last lockdown, I did the same and received the same incredible reaction," explains Bex.

Seeing it as an opportunity to support her local community, Bex collaborated with the town council and the local charity We are Knutsford to print and sell two drawings in a postcard format as well as A3 and A4 prints.

Bex’s illustrations champion supporting Knutsford retailers
Above: Bex's illustrations champion supporting Knutsford retailers.

All profits are being used to fund future town initiatives following the devastating effects of Covid to the High Street.

In the letter, Esther McVey congratulated Bex for her ‘brilliant illustrations'. She continued with her praise: ‘They are really great, and it's a good, practical way to support Knutsford. I know they will sell really well and they will help fund initiatives to drive people back to our town to ensure it stays vibrant and a good place to visit.'

 

Some of the local press coverage about the postcards and prints


Above: Some of the local press coverage about the postcards and prints.

The local press also picked up on the story, hailing the talents of their local community-spirited artist.

 

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