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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.
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…

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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Freedom To Pay campaign promotes the use of cash in stores

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Consumer groupcash Which? is developing a voluntary cash pledge campaign to advertise cash acceptance in commercial premises.

The Freedom to Pay campaign is based on the belief that cash is a necessity millions couldn't live without, and a backup for everyone when online systems fail. But with banks and free-to-use ATMs disappearing at an alarming rate, Which? have voiced concerns that some people may be left behind.

"We're heading in the direction of being a cashless society, but there are still barriers out there for a lot of people. It's really important people don't get left behind - and I'm trying my hardest not to be." - Gem Turner

Gem is not alone.

Small business owners. Some people living with disabilities. Rural and isolated communities. People who have to live on tight budgets. All sorts of people up and down the country rely on cash.

1.9 million people rely on cash for nearly every transaction they make. And 8 million people would struggle in a cashless society.

Retailers will be able to sign up to the pledge by committing to accept cash as a payment method and communicate this in store. Pledging will allow retailers to signal cash-friendliness to customers, including for those unable to pay using other methods.

The pledge is focussed on retailers selling essential goods and services, is not tied to a specific time period and requires not showing a preference between cash and other payment methods. Retailers signing up will be able to use Which? ‘recommended provider' communications tools and promoted under the Freedom to Pay campaign.

 

Sign the petition

 

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