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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.
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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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Scots butcher shop loved by Royals recalls 'cheery' Queen

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

The owner of a butcher ‘s shop in Ballater, Aberdeenshire has told the Daily Record of his shock at the death of the Queen, who was an often-seen figure in the town near Balmoral.

John Sinclair, the co-owner of HM Sheridan, told the newspaper how he only saw the Queen three weeks ago and recalled her once popping into the shop for a chat. He said the Queen had been in the shop twice, once after flooding and another just to say hello.

John said: "I met the Queen about six times, she's been in the shop twice, after the flooding and when she just popped in to say hello. The last time I met her was three weeks ago, she looked a bit frail but for a lady of 96 that's not surprising.

"She was quite cheery and she had a smile on her face. It was at the castle Highland Games, we introduced a game called Balmoral Stones and got two stones of 35kg each for people to carry 70 yards, one of the stones was engraved with the dates of the jubilee.

"You'd not expect someone to be working at 96, I still find it really hard to believe. The whole village is feeling pretty down. You don't know what the next generation will be like, this area would miss the Royal family if they didn't come back to Deeside.”

"They have done a lot to support this area. Princess Anne comes in the shop regularly wearing a Barbour jacket and jeans.

"I think the Queen was quite low maintenance, up here they were just a normal couple and made their own tea. They are just a normal family as well."

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