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Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

Independent retail crisis deepens as nearly half see sales plummet compared to last year

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared... Read more…

Independent retailers slam £5.9bn "de minimis" import loophole as Government delays action

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports... Read more…

Criminals undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards collapse

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.
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ACT welcomes Government's new product safety laws

23 Jul 2025

A leading cycle traders association has backed the government's move to protect consumers from dangerous products sold through online marketplaces, following Royal Assent of the Product... Read more…

Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
Read more…

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Applications for additional Apprenticeship incentives open

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

ACytech coursespplications for the Government's latest additional incentive payment of £3,000 open today (11 January 2022) for employers who have hired an apprentice(s) over the winter.

Businesses who hire or have hired a new apprentice, with an employment start date between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022, can apply to receive £3,000 per new recruit (compared with £1,500-£2,000 under previous schemes) regardless of the age of the apprentice. The apprentice must also have an apprenticeship start date between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022, and applications for funding are open from 11 January 2022 and close on 15 May 2022.

This means that for those businesses that haven't already, or wish to make the most of this additional incentive, have until the end of the month (January 2022) to onboard any further apprentices. After that point they then have until the end of March 2022 to enrol them onto an apprenticeship, and until 15 May 2022 to apply for the Government grant.

Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy (ACA) deliver the Level 2 Bicycle mechanic Apprenticeship Standard, with Cytech technical training being at the heart of their programme to ensure that all apprentices gain industry recognised qualifications as well as completing their apprenticeship. It offers the perfect mix of learning whilst working and includes the following industry's standard professional qualifications and study modules;

 

  • Cytech theory one (online)
  • Cytech technical two
  • Cytech technical three
  • Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 in English and Maths
  • Health & Safety in the Workshop
  • Legal Compliance
  • Customer service and advanced selling skills
  • Business administration studies plus lots more

Apprenticeships benefit everyone involved, particularly in challenging economic times. Employers get engaged and loyal staff, apprentices get valuable on-the-job training and customers get professionally maintained bikes. Better yet training costs involved with apprenticeships are heavily subsidised (if you don't pay into the apprenticeship levy), making it an extremely cost-effective means to upskilling your staff.

ACAMake sure your business doesn't miss out on this great opportunity to get you staff professionally trained and receive this extra Government incentive grant. For more information about how this apprenticeship can boost your business, please contact Activate Cycle Academy on 01865 550324 or at cycles@activatelearning.ac.uk.

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