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Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

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…

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Indies encouraged to put themselves forward for Retail Business of the Year award.

Posted on in Business News

BIRA, the British Independent Retailers Association, has announced its partnership with this year’s SME National Business Awards., joining the 2024 awards as a leading sponsor, backing this year’s guest category, the Retail Business of the Year award.

SME awards

The Retail Business of the Year category is open to any business operating in the retail sector, selling products or services directly to consumers. From brick-and-mortar stores to online retailers, businesses are encouraged to enter and showcase their determination, passion, and success.

The awards, now in their 8th year, champion the achievements of SMEs across the UK. Entries are open and finalists will gather later this year at the iconic Wembley Stadium, where outstanding achievements will be celebrated, and worthy winners crowned.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO, BIRA, expressed his support of the sponsorship and said: "BIRA has been supporting and representing thousands of independent retail businesses for over 125 years. We’re delighted to sponsor this award to further our commitment to advocating for retailers across the UK. 

“After a very trying few years for the retail industry, particularly with the rising costs of living, it has never been more important for businesses to showcase their business success and celebrate the hard work of their team.” said Damian Cummins, Awards Director.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with BIRA to showcase the incredible resilience and talent from the UK’s retail industry. The support BIRA offers its members contributes to the long-standing success of retailers across the country, we are looking forward to working with BIRA to champion those businesses and celebrate their achievements,”

Damian continued.

As this category is available for this year only, businesses are being encouraged to enter now and get ahead of their competitors.

Businesses can enter online at www.smenationals.co.uk

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