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Retailers react to disposable vape ban.

5 Feb 2024

The retail sector has been responding to government plans to ban disposable vapes as part of plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping.
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UK’s indie food retailers to be recognised in the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards 2024.

23 Jan 2024

Bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, delicatessens, fishmongers, greengrocers, village stores and small farm shops from around the UK have been shortlisted in the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards... Read more…

How Independent Retailers Can Stand Out in A Crowded Market

23 Jan 2024

An interesting article has appeared in Forbes reflecting many of the issues that Indie Retail & ActSmart members will be experiencing – the challenges and... Read more…

Eight in Ten Small Businesses Taking Positive Steps to Strengthen Their Enterprises in 2024

22 Jan 2024

Eight in ten small business owners (81%) are planning to develop their companies in 2024, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. The research shows that over a third (33%) are... Read more…

The Times names 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers.

22 Jan 2024

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.... Read more…

Bira Launches Second Annual Campaign for Valentine's Day - #LoveYourHighStreet

22 Jan 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association is championing the high street again this Valentine's Day for the second consecutive year with its #LoveYourHighStreet campaign.
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Family-run shop in Lanarkshire village scoops community retailer award for second year running.

10 Jan 2024

Nads Store, a family-run shop in Law, Lanarkshire, has been named Community Retailer of the Year at the Scottish Asian and Business Awards ceremony for the second year running.
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Bira urges vigilance against loan fee fraud following FCA guidance.

10 Jan 2024

In the face of the escalating threat of loan fee fraud, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging its members to heed the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) recent guidance... Read more…

Canal boat record store Rubber Ducky Records is back afloat.

9 Jan 2024

Canal boat record store Rubber Ducky Records is back on the water after it sank last April, ruining over 1,000 vinyl records and a stow of music equipment stored on... Read more…

New research shows UK retail sector powered by entrepreneurs and start-ups

9 Jan 2024

While mass-market players continue to dominate the UK retail industry, research by Geek Retreat shows that 15% of Brits have set up their own business in the past ten years, and of these,... Read more…

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Best Small Shops competition returns for 2018

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Creative News, Outdoor News

The Best Small Shops competition, managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK's High Streets and the central role they play in their local community.

The search for the best small shop in the UK launches on the 4th July 2018 to coincide with Independents' Day, the national campaign which celebrates and promotes the UK's independent retailers each year on 4th July.

After successful campaigns in 2011 and 2015 the competition is returning in 2018 and is set to be bigger and better than before.

The evolving retail landscape has witnessed numerous high-profile closures of larger stores, but specialist independent retailers can thrive in this climate by delivering a truly unique retail experience thanks to the passion, service, flexibility and knowledge they offer. The Best Small Shops competition is a chance to celebrate this unique industry and show customers what makes independent retailers so special.

The competition is open to any UK independent retailer, defined as a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption rather than for resale, from a business rated premises in the UK.

The competition will close in early September and 25 of the most impressive applications will be selected for a final shortlist which is submitted to a judging panel made up of key figures from the independent retail industry. These retailers will be invited to attend the competition reception in autumn 2018, where the winner will be awarded the title of Best Small Shop 2018.

In 2015 the shortlisted retailers attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament where they had the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted independent retailers before the winner, Hunters of Helmsley was announced.

To enter the 2018 competition applicants must showcase their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community ethos by submitting details of their business via the online application form.

Submit your entry

The entries for 2018's Best Small Shop competition are open now. To enter the competition you will need:

  • to be an independent retailer i.e. a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the public for use or consumption, from a business rated premises in the UK.
  • to have a listing on the Indie Retail directory . If you don't already have a listing you can create one for free here.
  • to submit your entry by Sunday 9th September 2018.

Enter now at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk

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