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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.
Read more…

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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Cytech trainer back to training after providing mechanical support at UCI World Championships

Posted on in Cycles News

Cytech training provider Spokes People were recently asked by the Afghan National Team if they could suggest any way for them to be supported mechanically at the UCI World Championships in Glasgow earlier this month.

Lee Niven, one of the trainers at Spokes People, upon being asked offered his own services having gained experience in race mechanics from previous events, taking the race support van from his other business Otec Bikes (Outdoor Training Events & Coaching) and joined the team during the event in Scotland.

Commenting on the job, Lee said: "It was a privilege to work with these athletes who were making history by competing and doing so at great personal cost and sacrifice."

Lee with Afghan Team at UCI World Championships

The female competitors of the Afghan team have already been in the headlines prior to the event, having fled Afghanistan to take part in the international cycling competition making history in the process as they represented Afghanistan, which you can read more about here.

"The team were in great need of support and it was a pleasure to be in a position to help.” Lee added.

Lee and the team also secured support from Oxford Products for supplies and equipment prior to the event, and during the racing Shimano and Schwalbe both provided invaluable support.

Lee continued: "Personally it was great to be back at the sharp end at a UCI World Championships event. Being able to offer support to some of the other less resourced teams as well such as Uruguay and Rwanda, whom I met while working with the Afghan team, was one of my highlights."

At Spokes People, internationally recognised Cytech training is provided by trainers who are all involved with customer facing cycle businesses and events. This offers valuable, real-world insight to those attending the courses, delivered by trainers who keep sharp and up to date on market trends and products ranging from entry level right up to the highest levels and everything in between.

Cytech training courses are available at the Spokes People training centre, based in Milton Keynes, with dates currently online through to November - head to their booking calendar for further information.

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