{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 605


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).
Read more…

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…

Independent retailers reject Black Friday as three-quarters refuse to participate

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure... Read more…

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

11 Nov 2025

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan... Read more…

Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
Read more…

Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
Read more…

Back to news menu

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.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.