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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.
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.
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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…

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Bristol-based cycling charity Life Cycle now offering Cytech training courses

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Cytech training courses now available at Life Cycle: transforming lives through industry-accredited bike mechanics training

Cytech Course Life Cycle

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle mechanics, have partnered with Bristol-based charity Life Cycle to offer a range of bicycle mechanic courses. These industry-recognised qualifications are now available to individuals and businesses in Bristol.

Jonathan Harrison, speaking on behalf of the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), which oversees and represents the Cytech brand, said: "Our partnership with Life Cycle expands access to Cytech training across the UK, increasing the pool of skilled technicians for bike workshops nationwide. Life Cycle are a great fit for our mission to make high-quality training more accessible and they join our strong network of training partners delivering Cytech courses and raising industry standards worldwide."

The launch of these public courses is a milestone in Life Cycle’s mission to transform lives through cycling. Participants will gain valuable technical skills in a supportive, hands-on learning environment, while also contributing to the wider social impact of Life Cycle’s work.

Bristol Cycle Hub

The Cytech courses take place at Life Cycle’s fully equipped, professional bike workshop in Bristol. Life Cycle’s expert tutors provide a welcoming, accessible, and practical approach to learning - ensuring every student, regardless of background or prior experience, feels supported in developing their skills. Cytech training provides a clear and structured pathway to mastering bike maintenance.

Life Cycle’s CEO, Ed Norton, said: “We are excited to launch our Cytech courses in partnership with the industry’s leading training provider. Our high-quality courses will support the cycling industry and help us deliver on our mission to boost cycling levels in the communities we serve.

“At Life Cycle, we help people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to benefit from bikes. Our courses are one of the ways that we support people on their cycling journey. Whatever your reason for wanting to take a Cytech course, learning with us means you’re part of something bigger.”

 Making an impact: Bikes Beyond Bars

Training with Life Cycle is about more than learning new skills. Every student directly supports Life Cycle’s charitable work, including their Bikes Beyond Bars programme. This initiative trains people in prison to become Cytech-qualified bike mechanics, giving them valuable skills and improving their chances of employability upon release.

The prisoners refurbish bikes donated by the public, giving bikes a new lease of life. Each bike is then checked by their mechanics and sold at affordable prices in their shop, increasing access to cycling within the community.

By choosing to train with Life Cycle, students invest in their own future while supporting a charitable organisation that makes cycling inclusive, accessible, and transformative.

To find out more or book a place, visit: https://www.lifecycle.org.uk/courses-and-qualifications/cytech-courses

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