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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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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…

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IRC member ACS Launches Wellbeing Guide for Retailers and Colleagues

Posted on in Business News, Brands & Products News, Cycles News

Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) member ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched new guidance to provide retailers with practical advice on how to support wellbeing for themselves and their colleagues.

IRC iconThe Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) is a well-established organisation that brings together like-minded trade associations with interests in the small and independent retail sector. It currently represents c.100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK and provides a lobbying platform for increasing the profile and voice of independent retailing within Government and Parliament. The ACT and ActSmart are key members of the IRC to represent their members.

Launched today (31st August) the Wellbeing Guide has been developed in collaboration with the What Works Centre for Wellbeing (WWCW) to provide guidance for retailers of all sizes about practical steps to take on the shop floor to improve staff retention and customer service via a healthy, engaged workforce.

The guide looks at eight key areas of wellbeing, which are:

  • Working environment
  • Relationships and connections
  • Health
  • Learning
  • Work and life balance
  • Personal and purpose
  • Colleague voice
  • Personal finance

In addition to advice and practical steps that retailers can take in their business, the guide also includes case studies from across the sector and covers wellbeing for independent retailers as business owners themselves. Workplace wellbeing is best understood as how people can grow and flourish in the business.

The full guidance is available to download here: https://bit.ly/ACSwellbeingguide

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