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Public vote opens for inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards

24 Apr 2026

Cycling enthusiasts across the UK are being invited to vote for their favourite independent bike shop as the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards enters its final stage.
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Local Bike Shop Week Awards: Meet the Judges

19 Apr 2026

From our many brilliant entries down to 8 finalists, the judging panel will be evaluating and championing independent bike shops up and down the country that make an impact in their... Read more…

Independent bike shops urged to enter inaugural awards as deadline approaches

16 Apr 2026

The ACT is urging independent bike shops to enter the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards before entries close on Sunday 19th April.
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First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.
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February retail sales dip signals growing consumer anxiety, warns ACT parent company Bira

30 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.
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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

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…

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BIRA launches ‘High Street Matters’ podcast for independent retailers

Posted on in Business News

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.

Bira podcast

Hosted by journalist Steve Dyson, the podcast series will explore the crucial issues, consumer trends, legislation and operational strategies impacting independent retailers today.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, said: “Our goal with ‘High Street Matters’ is to equip business owners with trusted insights and practical tips to help them stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. We’ll discuss everything from consumer behaviours to rates and staffing challenges – shining a spotlight on what truly matters for high street success.”

The podcast will feature conversations with Bira’s cross-section of retailer members, from single shops to small chains and large department stores across sectors like hospitality and leisure. Listeners will also hear directly from Bira’s independent retail experts including Mr Goodacre and Commercial Director Jeff Moody.

The premiere episode dropped on Monday, April 22 and tackled the escalating issue of retail crime. It dived into one trader’s first-hand experience being targeted by brazen thieves, as well as potential solutions like facial recognition security systems with insights from guests like Liam Ardern of FaceWatch.

Host Mr Dyson added: “High Street Matters gives retailers an easily accessible forum to share perspectives and learn from one another’s successes as well as challenges. We’re looking forward to creating some insightful discussions that uncover tactics for thriving in today’s competitive environment.”

Independent retailers across the UK can subscribe to the “High Street Matters” podcast through major streaming platforms. New episodes will be released throughout the year and feature issues including the sale of hazardous substances, the cycle to work scheme and many other themes relevant to retailers today.

For more information, click here.

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