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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.
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…

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.
Read more…

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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How to get more from social commerce this Christmas

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

With Christmas fast-approaching, is your business getting the most from social commerce?

The world of social media moves at such a pace, that it can be hard to keep up. So Maybe* have done the hard work for you, and have pulled together some recent social commerce news, tips and tricks.

 

The rise of social commerce: shopping on Facebook and beyond

Increasingly, consumers are buying products with their smartphones. Many are purchasing directly on Facebook and Instagram without visiting external websites or leaving the apps.

This analysis explores mobile shopping and the social commerce trend. You'll discover which types of customers are shopping on social, which platforms are leading, and how social commerce fits into your strategy.

More here.

 

YouTube outlines plans to bring live-stream shopping to all users

Live-stream shopping has become a key focus for social apps, with Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest all running their own shopping live-streams with high-profile creators as they seek to maximise their respective commerce potential.

YouTube is also looking to get in, with a series of upcoming shopping live-streams for the holidays that will enable viewers to interact with influencers and celebrities in real-time, while also facilitating direct shopping in-app.

Read more.

 

Five ways brands can make the most of the holiday shopping season

Growing e-commerce requires balancing core product offerings with accessible technology and human understanding.

Despite a 32% increase in sales since the start of the pandemic, digital and social commerce is at a critical juncture. Will sales continue to increase, or will they return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers step back into stores?

More here.

 

Twitter provides new checklist for Small Business Saturday promotions

Are you ready for the final shopping push as we head into the end of the year?

A key date for many is Small Business Saturday, the day after the Black Friday sales, highlighting ways to support local businesses and discover more niche offerings and options.

To help you make the most of your #SmallBusinessSaturday push, Twitter has published a new overview of key considerations for your tweet marketing.

Read more.

 

Social Media companies are diving into e-commerce

One of the joys of my holiday season used to be shopping for gifts at physical stores with friends and family. It wasn't just that there were seemingly good deals to be found hunting through the sales racks at the mall, but I liked being able to touch potential purchases and talk about them with people that I cared about. For many like myself, the spread of Covid-19 last year threw a wrench into those traditions.

This year, social media companies are trying to fill the gap.

More here.

 

Improve your social media with Maybe*

ACT Gold members can benefit from 20% discount and Silver members benefit from 10% discount. Maybe* also hold monthly social media masterclasses on the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm.

Sign up for the masterclass

Find out more about how Maybe* can benefit your business here.

 

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