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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…

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.
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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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