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First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.
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February retail sales dip signals growing consumer anxiety, warns ACT parent company Bira

30 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.
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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

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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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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