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First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.
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February retail sales dip signals growing consumer anxiety, warns ACT parent company Bira

30 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.
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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

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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bira offers guidance on energy bill relief scheme

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

bira has been offering guidance to retailers on how to take advantage of the Government’s energy bill relief scheme.

Energy bills for businesses across the country are to be reduced from this month as Government support begins. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme significantly reduces the amount businesses can be charged, covering energy use from 1st October 2022.

Support will run for six months to shield businesses from the recent energy price surge, which we hope to see prevent unnecessary insolvencies and protecting jobs and livelihoods.

The scheme applies to energy use from 1st October, but savings applied to October bills are typically received in November with bira advising that retailers should start to feel the benefits this month. They say that it is vitally important therefore for retailers to check their energy bills as soon as possible to ensure they are seeing savings kicking in. If retailers cannot see their automatic discount in place, retailers are advised to get in touch with their energy provider immediately.

The Government is currently carrying out a review to consider how to support businesses with energy bills after April 2023, with any support being targeted to those most affected by high energy prices.
The level of price reduction for each business will vary depending on their contract type and circumstances.

Worried couple
Photo by Mikhail Nilov

There is new guidance on the scheme, published 1st November, which provides further information on eligibility, operation and enforcement. This can be found here.

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