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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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Retail Finance Retailer Awareness Handbook: A quick guide to your duties to the customer

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

The Association of Cycle Trader's retail finance partner V12 have created a document that outlines a third party finance provider's (TPFP) duty to the customer.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have a duty to protect consumers. In doing this, they pay very close attention to industry standards and the role lenders and retailers play in making it a safe, informed space for consumers to shop using credit.

It is important that retailers read the document and familiarise themselves with industry standards.

Download the V12 Retailer Awareness Handbook now

 

The document contains information on the following areas:

  • Oversight & accountability; To ensure that they provide the best service and have the best retail partners, it's vital that V12 have a clear understanding of your business and its framework.
  • Competency of staff; Providing a compliant finance service means all retailer staff who deal with our product must be fully informed of their responsibilities.
  • Section 75; Section 75 states both the lender and retailer are jointly liable for any breach of contract or misrepresentation.
  • Complaints; When customers make a finance related complaint, both V12 and its retailers have a responsibility to take appropriate measures to handle the issue.
  • Affordability; Understanding the amount or having a reasonable estimate of a customer’s current income (and non-discretionary income) is essential to determining if they can afford to make repayments.
  • Fees; The FCA has found that, in some cases, consumers were unaware of the early settlement fee they would be charged on regulated Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products.
  • Exempt Products; While some of your products are exempt from FCA regulation, they still remain subject to the unfair contract terms provisions of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
  • Vulnerable Customers; Protecting vulnerable customers is a key priority for the FCA, and for V12 and its retailers. Being able to identify possible vulnerability should be at the forefront of each application. 

 

The document also contains useful inks, such as information on the V12 system, information on the fair treatment of customers and a V12 training video.

Download the V12 Retailer Awareness Handbook now 

 

Train your staff effectively

IRFTTo train your staff to the standards expected by the FCA, the ACT recommend the Retail Finance Training course.

Retail Finance Training, brought to you by Indie Retail Training, is an online learning course delivering an informed insight into Retail finance that can be completed anywhere, in your own time.
 
The course will teach you how to legally promote and use retail finance in-store, online and in all other forms of media.

The course retails for just £150 including VAT. However, members of the ACT and ActSmart receive up to a 50% saving off the RRP, meaning that you can access the course from just £75 including VAT.
 
 
Membership level Gold Silver Standard
Standard Price
(Excluding VAT)
£62.50 £83.33 £125

Standard Price
(Including VAT)

£75.00 £100 £150

Try a free demo version now or get started with the full course by clicking below.
 
 
 

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