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ACT parent company Bira warns of 'Atrocious April' as shop price inflation rises

1 Apr 2025

Bira has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.
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ACT parent company Bira says Spring Statement fails to address high street crisis

26 Mar 2025

ACT parent company Bira has said the Chancellor's Spring Statement delivered today has failed to address the "perfect storm" of cost pressures facing independent retailers across the UK,... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira outlines key priorities ahead of Spring Budget

25 Mar 2025

ACT parent company Bira has outlined its key priorities ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Budget statement.
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Bristol-based cycling charity Life Cycle now offering Cytech training courses

20 Mar 2025

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle mechanics, have partnered with Bristol-based charity Life Cycle to offer a range of bicycle mechanic... Read more…

High street 'death knell' – indie retailers, including cycle shops, shutting doors ahead of April tax rises

12 Mar 2025

Towns and cities across Britain are already seeing a wave of closures as independent businesses shut their doors ahead of April’s triple tax burden, including those in the cycling retail... Read more…

Research shows UK businesses hiring more as consumer confidence lifts

5 Mar 2025

New research has revealed a recent uptick in UK consumer confidence, leading to increased hiring by businesses, with the retail sector responding positively to signs of economic resilience.
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Independent cycle shop becomes first retailer to stock new local bike brand

28 Feb 2025

Independent cycling retailer and ACT member Velo Fit has become the first to stock a new brand of bikes focused on combining quality and affordability.
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Bira cautiously welcomes new crime and policing bill to tackle retail crime across high street businesses

26 Feb 2025

ACT parent company Bira has cautiously welcomed Labour's Crime and Policing Bill but is calling for urgent action and immediate funding to address the surge in retail crime affecting independent... Read more…

Bira warns of 'troubled times ahead' despite interest rate cut

7 Feb 2025

ACT parent company Bira has warned that retailers across Britain face troubled times ahead despite today's Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.5%, as the Bank halves its growth forecast for... Read more…

Free webinar exclusive to ACT members on employment law compliance

4 Feb 2025

The ACT and legal partner WorkNest are hosting an exclusive webinar on how to remain compliant with employment law while making necessary business changes.
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Indies encouraged to put themselves forward for Retail Business of the Year award.

Posted on in Business News

BIRA, the British Independent Retailers Association, has announced its partnership with this year’s SME National Business Awards., joining the 2024 awards as a leading sponsor, backing this year’s guest category, the Retail Business of the Year award.

SME awards

The Retail Business of the Year category is open to any business operating in the retail sector, selling products or services directly to consumers. From brick-and-mortar stores to online retailers, businesses are encouraged to enter and showcase their determination, passion, and success.

The awards, now in their 8th year, champion the achievements of SMEs across the UK. Entries are open and finalists will gather later this year at the iconic Wembley Stadium, where outstanding achievements will be celebrated, and worthy winners crowned.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO, BIRA, expressed his support of the sponsorship and said: "BIRA has been supporting and representing thousands of independent retail businesses for over 125 years. We’re delighted to sponsor this award to further our commitment to advocating for retailers across the UK. 

“After a very trying few years for the retail industry, particularly with the rising costs of living, it has never been more important for businesses to showcase their business success and celebrate the hard work of their team.” said Damian Cummins, Awards Director.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with BIRA to showcase the incredible resilience and talent from the UK’s retail industry. The support BIRA offers its members contributes to the long-standing success of retailers across the country, we are looking forward to working with BIRA to champion those businesses and celebrate their achievements,”

Damian continued.

As this category is available for this year only, businesses are being encouraged to enter now and get ahead of their competitors.

Businesses can enter online at www.smenationals.co.uk

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