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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.
Read more…

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…

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Government launches energy bill cut plan for small businesses

Posted on in Business News

The government has launched a new campaign aimed at helping businesses, charities and public sector organisations reduce their energy bills.

Energy Bills

The campaign is targeted at SMEs and will offer guidance on how to make savings through simple changes that cost little or nothing. Suggestions include installing light and heating timers, turning down boiler flow temperature and changing light bulbs.

A new website will provide organisations with simple advice, suggesting a range of actions such as improving visibility of current energy use and upgrading or modifying equipment to help reduce energy consumption.

The initiative follows the launch of last year’s “It All Adds Up” campaign which provided similar advice for households.

The new campaign will also be promoted through partnerships with the British Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Small Business as well as paid advertorial on social media, TV, and radio.

Lord Callanan, the Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, stated that the UK’s commitment to boosting energy efficiency in industry and households remains firm despite falling wholesale energy prices, and encouraged businesses and public sector bodies to access practical advice on how to reduce their energy consumption and increase profits while helping to achieve the country’s critical pledges of reducing demand by 15% and reaching net zero by 2050.

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