{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 578


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.
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.
Read more…

Back to news menu

Help to Grow Webinar: How SMEs can innovate, grow & drive recovery

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Political News

Join webinarthe Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, for the next in a series of live panel discussions on 23rd June at 10:30 AM.

The panel will discuss how UK SMEs and startups can scale-up, becoming vital engines of growth, innovation and social value across the UK. This is a unique chance to hear the experiences of some of the UK's top business leaders, with members of the panel sharing their experience and thoughts on enterprise & entrepreneurship.

The panel:

Debbie Wosskow OBE - Founder of LoveHomeSwap and co-founder of AllBright

Former CEO of Love Home Swap, a subscription-based home exchange business, which she sold for $53m in 2017. She also co-founded AllBright, a club and community that celebrates and connects women at work.

Marta Krupinska - Cofounder of Azimo & Head of Google for Startups UK

Founded Azimo, a global money transfer platform in 2012. In 2018 she joined Google as Head of Google for Startups UK, a role in which she works with high potential tech start-ups.

Laura Tenison MBE - Founder and Managing Director of JoJo Maman Bébé

Founded JoJo Maman Bébé in 1993 & over the last 28 years has grown the Newport, Wales based company to become one of the UK's leading maternity wear and baby clothing retailers.

Professor Nigel Locket - Professor of Entrepreneurship at University of Strathclyde

A senior academic and serial entrepreneur. He also has over 25 years of experience as a company director, with a track record in managing start-ups & social enterprises.

Byron Dixon OBE - Founder & CEO of Micro-Fresh

Beginning his career as a lab technician, Byron founded Micro-Fresh after he developed a way of preventing mould growing on household products and his since grown the company to global sales of over £10m.

Sign up here to submit your questions to the panel in advance. You will also be given exclusive access to the event, with the opportunity to submit questions live, as the event goes on.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.