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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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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…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

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Celebrate independent shops, artists, makers & small businesses with JUST A CARD - INDIE WEEK 21-25 November 2022 The colourful, independent alternative to Black Friday!

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Now in its sixth year, JUST A CARD - INDIE WEEK encourages people to support, value and buy from independents during the crucial Christmas retail period. Many independent businesses are finding things incredibly tough this year, so championing them this Christmas is more vital than ever!

An antidote to the fast-purchase culture of Black Friday, JUST A CARD - INDIE WEEK welcomes everyone to celebrate their own businesses as well as those they love, to showcase their communities and to tell their own stories both on and offline. The week will include our ever popular five-day Instagram challenge which has previously featured across the BBC and beyond, and has seen over 135,000 people taking part via social media in the past two years alone.

For more information about JUST A CARD - INDIE WEEK visit justacard.org

Since 2015 the grassroots campaign JUST A CARD has been showing the value to both customers and independent businesses of shopping small.

Just a card flyer

Every sale however small, even just a card, is the difference between a vibrant creative community or a boarded up business.

  • 17,000+ shops display our popular campaign window stickers
  • 105,000+ engage with our community via social media
  • The campaign is supported by high profile names including Sir Michael Palin, Natalie Dormer, Lauren Laverne and Nathalie Emmanue

For press enquiries / images /comment please contact:
Roy Mouncey
Howling Moon
roy@howlingmoonpr.co.uk
07949 897155

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JUSTACARD.ORG

JUST A CARD campaign founder Sarah Hamilton, and team member
Michael Fram are available for interview/comment.

The JUST A CARD - INDIE WEEK official supporter this year is Cricut. Their
products and video content make a vital impact to designer makers and artists
all across the globe.

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