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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…

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…

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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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