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Cycling club raising funds for youth bike maintenance workshops and 'go slow' inclusivity initiative

21 Nov 2024

A local cycling club is raising money and seeking donations and assistance in order to teach bike maintenance to young people through a series of workshops in 2025.
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Bira meets with Treasury members to discuss Budget concerns and business rate reform proposal

17 Nov 2024

Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.
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ACT teams up with Saledock to supercharge bike shop efficiency and customer experience

14 Nov 2024

The ACT has announced a dynamic partnership with Saledock - an all-in-one POS, eCommerce, and inventory management platform tailor-made for bike shops and workshops.
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'Devastating and out of touch' - independent retailers react to Budget bombshell

1 Nov 2024

Independent retailers across Britain have reacted with dismay to yesterday's Budget, with many warning of store closures, job losses and cancelled expansion plans.
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Devastating Budget Delivers Triple Blow to Independent Retailers, Says ACT and Bira

30 Oct 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and the ACT have condemned today's Budget as the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory, with... Read more…

Retailers paying one-third of all UK business rates despite making up only 9% of economy

30 Oct 2024

Retailers and hospitality businesses are paying three times their economic share in business rates, according to analysis by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and UK Hospitality.
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How much cash do you still accept? Independent cycling retailers can respond to this survey today

30 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira is working with UK Finance and other organisations who form the UK’s wholesale cash industry to gain vital information to ensure businesses get the best possible... Read more…

Bira Conference a huge success with ACT members in attendance

25 Oct 2024

ACT members were in attendance at the hugely successful Bira Conference in London last week, featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers providing valuable insights from independent retail... Read more…

Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024
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FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also... Read more…

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ACT re-structures for future retail

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Power in numbers

In these most challenging times for retail the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is restructuring to become even more focussed on the needs of retailers. By closely aligning the ACT with the many trade organisations and sectors that make up the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) we will be working with over 100,000 independent retailers engaging Government, business and consumers.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

 

The urgency to adapt

Since the lockdown ACT subscribers have reached record levels and the industry has benefitted from a phenomenal spike in demand, especially for workshop services. But, as the pandemic continues to impact the economy, an already fragile high street is witnessing business closures and changes in consumer buying habits that are altering the face of retail forever. As our very existence comes under threat, it is essential that the retail sector works together in partnership, sharing knowledge, buying power and resources to adapt for future retail

 

The role of the ACT

The ACT has been accessed by businesses more than any other cycling organisation; we have an established fundamental role, knowledge and representation. Following lengthy consultation, the remodelled ACT is looking to prioritise retail turnover, engagement with consumers, increased Government engagement on business, alongside our work with cycling advocacy bodies and support services for a business's greatest asset - your people.

The ACT is the largest active leisure member of the IRC and passionately retains its heritage in cycling, continuing to work with the numerous organisations engaged with cycle and mobility advocacy in the UK, especially where activities impact directly upon the business community. At such a critical time for business the ACT's key focus will be on extended support and development in partnership, rather than duplication of established activities.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

 

Come one come all

A new membership structure will allow all businesses to embrace the ACT as their trade body; more accessible to any business who can benefit from a selection of services free of charge. Participants at every level will benefit from extended business support with new services being added to the portfolio alongside a reduced pricing structure to cater for all.

 

People and skills come first

The ACT's focus on recruitment, skilling and retention is becoming ever more critical as the changes in retail rapidly identify the need for investment in people and skills. The Cytech programme is currently undertaking expansion plans in all markets globally to support the worldwide demand for cycle technicians, encouragingly with increased Government support.

 

The way forward

The ACT is adapting with the objective of bringing the cycle business community closer together, with a priority focus upon speciality retail. This will not only better serve businesses and the people employed in these businesses, but will increase consumer engagement and encourage growth in cycling participation.

For further information please refer to the ACT relaunch brochure.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

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