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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…

Employment Rights Bill - ACT and Bira answer your questions

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes Chancellor's action on unfair trade practices

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.
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ACT parent company Bira responds to Prime Minister's 'Bobbies on the Beat' plan

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.
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ACT parent company Bira warns of 'Atrocious April' as shop price inflation rises

1 Apr 2025

Bira has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.
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ACT parent company Bira says Spring Statement fails to address high street crisis

26 Mar 2025

ACT parent company Bira has said the Chancellor's Spring Statement delivered today has failed to address the "perfect storm" of cost pressures facing independent retailers across the UK,... Read more…

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2024 year in review: A message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Director of the ACT Jonathan Harrison has praised the "resilience and adaptability" of the ACT and its members in an end of year message.

You can read the message in full below.

 


 

ACT Director Jonathan Harrison
ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

Dear Members,

With 2024 coming to an end, I’d like to take a moment to look back on the year gone by. It’s no secret that this year has presented significant challenges for our industry. Trading conditions have been challenging, and while recovery may take time, I believe we are starting to see signs of improvement as we head into 2025.

Despite the headwind, we have made significant progress that demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the ACT. While there is still work to be done, I’m pleased to share some key highlights from the year:

  • Expansion of Cytech Training: We celebrated the launch of a new Cytech training centre in Dublin, further expanding access to professional mechanic training in Ireland. Additionally, the introduction of Cytech training within the prison system has provided invaluable opportunities for upskilling and rehabilitation.
  • E-Bike Positive Campaign: Alongside key cycling organisations, we launched the E-bike Positive campaign to raise awareness, promote usage and highlight the many benefits of e-bikes across the UK.
  • Cycle to Work Reform: We have worked tirelessly towards positive reforms to the Cycle to Work scheme, especially from a retailer perspective
  • New and Improved Member Services: This year saw the introduction of several new services aimed at supporting your businesses, including:
    • Bikmo Business Insurance and Bikmo Consumer Insurance
    • Workshop by Bikebook
    • Saledock
    • Renticy
    • Improved HR, Health & Safety and Commercial legal support partner WorkNest
    • Continued partnerships with long-standing providers such as V12 Retail Finance and Global Payments
  • A Stronger ACT Team: We have strengthened our team to ensure we are robust, responsive, and ready to support our members through every challenge and opportunity.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the past year has been challenging, the foundations we have built give us reason to be hopeful for the future. The ACT will continue to advocate for your interests, provide essential services, and champion the cycling industry as we work together to create a more prosperous year ahead.

Thank you for your continued trust, commitment, and passion for cycling. We look forward to supporting you as we move into 2025.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and a successful new year!

 

Best regards,

Jonathan Harrison
Director
Association of Cycle Traders (ACT)

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