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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.
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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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Black Friday consumer spending forecast to drop 50% this year

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Figures from research conducted by global marketing agency Wunderman Thompson Commerce suggested consumers are set to spend up to 50% less than usual this Black Friday, November 25th.

Overall spend per consumer is expected to fall from £168.18 in 2021 back to the 2020 average of £86.06.

However, in a blow to the bricks and mortar retail sector, it seems almost two thirds of Black Friday shoppers expect to make their purchases from Amazon.

Black Friday

Over three quarters (76%) of shoppers said their proportion of online spend will likely increase this year as they search for the best deals, range, speed and convenience offered by marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.

Christmas is set to remain a key driver for expenditure with gifting the top reason to purchase for 57% of shoppers.

Marketplaces have grown in tandem with Black Friday in general, with over a third of global shoppers (34%) going as far as to say they get inspiration from marketplaces more than search engines (34%).

“Retailers will simply have to work that much harder to encourage spend this Black Friday amidst the cost-of-living crisis and worries over debt,” Wunderman Thompson Commerce global head of consultancy Hugh Fletcher said.

“However, the pressure that will be felt by brands, retailers and marketplaces doesn’t come without opportunity. They all now have many more channels at their disposal and must take a wise approach to meet shoppers’ demands.

“Fusing together deals and discounts across different platforms can offer a foundation to reach millions and on a global scale.

“Ultimately, it’s down to retailers, brands and marketplaces to find the perfect blend of transparency and consumer-centric thinking when peak traffic inevitably spikes.

“Be genuine in approach and speedy in service to connect with your audiences so they feel compelled to go from scrolling to purchasing.

“Or face a reality where your brand becomes disconnected with shoppers’ changing desires and habits.”

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