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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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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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