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Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

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.
Read more…

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New awards launch to champion Britain's independent high street heroes

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Retailers on Britain's high streets are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the first-ever Love Your High Street Awards, designed to celebrate the small businesses that bring communities together across the UK.

LYHS Awards

The nationwide competition, launched by Bira, aims to recognise independent retailers who go above and beyond to support their local communities, from family-run bakeries to specialist cycling shops.

Communities across Britain can nominate their favourite independent shops via a simple online form, with nominations closing on 20 July. A panel from Bira will then review all entries to select standout finalists, before public voting opens on 4 August across social media platforms.

"Independent shops are the beating heart of our communities, and it's time we celebrated the incredible work they do every single day," said Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. "These awards will shine a spotlight on the retailers who go the extra mile for their customers and communities, often in the face of significant challenges."

The awards come at a crucial time for Britain's high streets, which have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. Independent shops, often family-run businesses that have served their communities for generations, have shown remarkable resilience whilst maintaining the personal touch that makes each high street unique.

Bira, which champions the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain, focuses on revitalising and preserving the high street through campaigns on retail crime, business rates, and legislation. 

The winner will be determined by public vote, with the shop receiving the most votes crowned as the inaugural Love Your High Street Awards champion. Whether it's the hardware shop that always has the perfect DIY fix, the boutique running events for locals, or the tech shop keeping people on trend, any independent retailer can be nominated.

Those wishing to nominate their favourite shop can submit entries via the official website or via this link before the 20 July deadline. Public voting will then take place on social media platforms from 4 August, with supporters encouraged to use #LoveYourHighStreet #ShopLocal #HighStreetHeroes.

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