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Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
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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…

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The Times names 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers.

Posted on in Business News

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Those that made the cut were:

Kemptown Bookshop

Picture: facebook.com/KemptownBookshopBrighton

The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire

Reader Rachael Clyne from Glastonbury said the owners had  “worked hard to convert the historic ambience and features into a poetry hub, where they hold workshops as well as a café with drinks and cakes while you browse.”

Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton

Robert Hamberger from Brighton said:

“Since the new owner, Cathy Hayward, took over the long-established bookshop a couple of years ago, she and her friendly well-informed staff have rejuvenated it. Kemptown Bookshop is now one of the hubs of the area.”

 

Script Haven, Worcester

Michael W Thomas wrote that “this shop makes a point of promoting local writers and small presses alongside established names and imprints. It’s altogether a welcoming atmosphere, with tea, coffee and pastries: when you’ve visited once, you’ll certainly want to return.”

 

Voce Books, Birmingham

Owned and run by Clive and Maria Judd, Garrie Fletcher said that Voce is “incredibly supportive of independent publishers and proud to be based in the heart of the country in Birmingham.”

 

Heron Books, Bristol

Bob Walton commented:  “We’re not short of wonderful independent bookshops in Bristol but since Heron Books opened in 2022 something magical has appeared in the mix. It is easily the smallest bookshop imaginable (in a beautiful Victorian arcade) but that doesn’t stop the owners packing it with a huge range of diverse and up-to-date titles.”

David’s Bookshop, Letchworth

Started by the local Armitage family more than 60 years ago, this bookshop was named after their son, David. It comprises a bookshop, music store with popular vinyl and a café. 

 

Storytellers, Inc, St Anne’s on the Sea

Carolyn Hampton says that “they run book groups and author events, and there is always a book suggestion if needed and help with present buying if needed. All the best people love books.”

 

Wimbledon Books, London

Anthea Richardson wrote: “Wimbledon Books has been on the High Street in Wimbledon Village for decades. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and orders arrive the next day. Why go online to receive books in a cardboard box from an overworked courier?”

 

Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth

“Wave of Nostalgia openly celebrates women and the LGBTQ community. Downstairs is the cellar, an intimate and welcoming space where many top authors come and read several times a month. It’s a lovely bookshop where reading and community are celebrated.”
Christine Sanders, West Yorkshire

 

Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham

“The shop is friendly and welcoming, with an eclectic selection of books including a good children’s section. It offers coffee, tea and cakes — served in Polish china cups and plates. It is dog friendly too”.
Edward Sturges

 

Storey, Kelso

“I would defy anyone to go in there and not disappear down a rabbit hole of wonderful books and eclectic subject matter. This is what makes it a brilliant bookshop because it takes me out of the ordinary and makes me think.”
Caroline Roseman

                         

High Peak Bookstore, Buxton

A derelict garage on a busy road has been transformed into a cavernous booklover’s paradise. Add in a busy programme of talks, comedy and quiz nights and other events, knowledgeable staff and tables of locally produced crafts. I think it could inspire even the most reluctant reader to find a book to enjoy.
Emily Woodhams-Beazeley

 

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