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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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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…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... 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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