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Bira welcomes Wales' business rates proposals but calls for key improvements

11 Jun 2025

Bira has welcomed the Welsh Government's consultation on business rate reforms for retail shops, whilst calling for significant improvements to ensure the proposals truly support high street... Read more…

New awards launch to champion Britain's independent high street heroes

9 Jun 2025

Retailers on Britain's high streets are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the first-ever Love Your High Street Awards, designed to celebrate the small businesses that bring... Read more…

"Tectonic shift" in employment law threatens independent retailer viability, warns Bira podcast

6 Jun 2025

Independent retailers are facing a "generational" transformation of employment law that could fundamentally change how small businesses operate, according to the final episode of Bira's first... Read more…

Retailers hope warm weather and bank holidays will boost high street sales

16 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has said that members are hopeful the warm weather, Easter weekend and upcoming bank holidays will provide a much-needed boost to high street sales.
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Economic growth surges to 0.7%, but "April reality check" looms for high street retailers

15 May 2025

UK economy delivers strongest quarterly performance in a year despite forecasts of business downturn.
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Communities come together for Local Bike Shop Day 2025 celebrations

13 May 2025

Local Bike Shop Day 2025 brought a wave of... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira welcomes Bank of England's latest interest rate cut

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira responds to Beales' "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" as iconic store makes final protest

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow... Read more…

Employment Rights Bill - ACT and Bira answer your questions

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes Chancellor's action on unfair trade practices

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.
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Bookshops most popular choice as 40% of Britons dream of starting their own small business

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Four in ten Britons dream of starting their own small business, with bookshops the most popular choice, according to new research by American Express Shop Small.

Bookshop owner

In the survey, cafés, fashion boutiques, restaurants and pubs made up the top five aspirational start-up businesses, with people most tempted by the prospect of having more independence (28%) and pursuing a passion (22%).

Though it remains a dream for many, those who have taken the plunge to run their own business are greatly admired, especially for their determination (57% said they admired this quality in owners of independent businesses), passion (56%) and their creativity (37%).

Top 10 dream businesses Brits would like to own:
1. Bookshop
2. Café
3. Fashion boutique
4. Restaurant
5. Pub
6. Record store
7. Bakery
8. Market stall
9. Gym
10. Hardware shop

Now in its tenth year, this year’s American Express Shop Small campaign aims to support small businesses by encouraging the nation to back their high street and enjoy the benefits of ‘shopping small’, whatever their budget.

Daniel Edelman, Vice President & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Many of the small business on our high street represent the fulfilment of someone’s dreams; although it can be incredibly rewarding, it takes a lot of hard work and determination. That’s why we’ve been running our Shop Small campaign in the UK since 2012 to celebrate these small business owners by encouraging everyone to shop small, whether on everyday purchases or a little festive treat.”

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