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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…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

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Teacher and ice-cream store manager move from Australia to take over Halifax indie bookshop.

Posted on in Business News

A family of booklovers are moving from Australia to become the new owners of an independent bookshop in Halifax.

Halifax bookshop

Image: Instagram.com/thethoughtfulspotbooks

Amy and Grant Moorhouse are taking over The Thoughtful Spot Children’s Bookshop. The pair have been living in Australia for the past 11 years but are returning to Calderdale with their three children.

Amy is a primary school teacher with a background in libraries and a passion for early years learning, while Grant has spent the last decade managing one of the most popular gelato stores in Australia, gaining an extensive expertise in hospitality and events.

"Our combined experience, coupled with a genuine love for books instilled in our three book-loving children, means this is a real family business that we hope to continue to grow for years to come,” said Amy.

"We are thrilled to be re-joining the community and taking on this exciting new venture as booksellers.”

The pair will reopen the shop during the half-term holidays in the last week of May and are keen to hold story time sessions, book clubs and school holiday events.

The shop was opened by Kevin and Gabrielle McCallion three years ago but announced earlier this year they had taken the difficult decision to move on.

 

 

 

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