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2024 year in review: A message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

18 Dec 2024

Director of the ACT Jonathan Harrison has praised the "resilience and adaptability" of the ACT and its members in an end of year message.
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Practical steps to prevent credit card and payment fraud as an independent cycling retailer

4 Dec 2024

As credit card fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, taking these steps could help you stay ahead of the fraudsters…
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Scottish retailers call for urgent business rates support as gap widens with rest of UK

29 Nov 2024

Scottish independent retailers, including those in the cycling sector, are urging the Scottish Government to provide crucial business rates relief in its upcoming budget, as the disparity in... Read more…

Bira and ACT welcome new House of Lords report on high street regeneration

28 Nov 2024

Independent retailers back call for local leadership and simplified funding.
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Seven-in-ten cycle traders boycott Black Friday as cost pressures mount

26 Nov 2024

Seven in ten cycle retailers across the UK will boycott this year's Black Friday sales event, according to a survey of the bicycle trade by the ACT.
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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…

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2024 year in review: A message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Director of the ACT Jonathan Harrison has praised the "resilience and adaptability" of the ACT and its members in an end of year message.

You can read the message in full below.

 


 

ACT Director Jonathan Harrison
ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

Dear Members,

With 2024 coming to an end, I’d like to take a moment to look back on the year gone by. It’s no secret that this year has presented significant challenges for our industry. Trading conditions have been challenging, and while recovery may take time, I believe we are starting to see signs of improvement as we head into 2025.

Despite the headwind, we have made significant progress that demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the ACT. While there is still work to be done, I’m pleased to share some key highlights from the year:

  • Expansion of Cytech Training: We celebrated the launch of a new Cytech training centre in Dublin, further expanding access to professional mechanic training in Ireland. Additionally, the introduction of Cytech training within the prison system has provided invaluable opportunities for upskilling and rehabilitation.
  • E-Bike Positive Campaign: Alongside key cycling organisations, we launched the E-bike Positive campaign to raise awareness, promote usage and highlight the many benefits of e-bikes across the UK.
  • Cycle to Work Reform: We have worked tirelessly towards positive reforms to the Cycle to Work scheme, especially from a retailer perspective
  • New and Improved Member Services: This year saw the introduction of several new services aimed at supporting your businesses, including:
    • Bikmo Business Insurance and Bikmo Consumer Insurance
    • Workshop by Bikebook
    • Saledock
    • Renticy
    • Improved HR, Health & Safety and Commercial legal support partner WorkNest
    • Continued partnerships with long-standing providers such as V12 Retail Finance and Global Payments
  • A Stronger ACT Team: We have strengthened our team to ensure we are robust, responsive, and ready to support our members through every challenge and opportunity.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the past year has been challenging, the foundations we have built give us reason to be hopeful for the future. The ACT will continue to advocate for your interests, provide essential services, and champion the cycling industry as we work together to create a more prosperous year ahead.

Thank you for your continued trust, commitment, and passion for cycling. We look forward to supporting you as we move into 2025.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and a successful new year!

 

Best regards,

Jonathan Harrison
Director
Association of Cycle Traders (ACT)

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