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Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

Independent retail crisis deepens as nearly half see sales plummet compared to last year

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared... Read more…

Independent retailers slam £5.9bn "de minimis" import loophole as Government delays action

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports... Read more…

Criminals undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards collapse

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.
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ACT welcomes Government's new product safety laws

23 Jul 2025

A leading cycle traders association has backed the government's move to protect consumers from dangerous products sold through online marketplaces, following Royal Assent of the Product... Read more…

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…

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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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