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24 Apr 2026

Cycling enthusiasts across the UK are being invited to vote for their favourite independent bike shop as the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards enters its final stage.

19 Apr 2026

From our many brilliant entries down to 8 finalists, the judging panel will be evaluating and championing independent bike shops up and down the country that make an impact in their...

17 Apr 2026

The Bikeability Trust is set to receive £78 million as part of a £108 million Government funding package to boost walking, wheeling and cycling across England, marking the largest...

17 Apr 2026

An independent bike shop has reopened its doors less than 24 hours after a ram raid saw around £40,000 worth of stock stolen and a further £50,000 in damage caused to the premises.

16 Apr 2026

The ACT is urging independent bike shops to enter the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards before entries close on Sunday 19th April.

16 Apr 2026

Consumer finance is entering a new phase in the UK, shaped by tighter regulation, evolving customer expectations, and increased scrutiny on outcomes. We’ve explained the key things you...

10 Apr 2026

It’s easy to forget the moment your love for bike shops began. Mat Clark, owner of BRINK - a UK-based business specialising in cycling retail, brand strategy, and industry insight -...

8 Apr 2026

Bike frame and fork protection specialists BikeWrap has confirmed its sponsorship of the Cytech Pub Quiz, part of the build up to Local Bike Shop Week next month.

2 Apr 2026

Bikebook has announced a new integration with Shopify

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.

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750 UK firms sued daily for failing to pay rocketing business rates

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

 All councils within England were requested to provide details of how many businesses had been taken to court for non-payment of their business rates during the 2018/19 financial year. Figures show that a total of 171,018 businesses were summoned, which totals 9.83% of the 1,740,073 non-domestic properties liable for business rates.


According to real estate firm, Altus Group, the overall number works out at around 750 businesses being summoned across England every single day. The tax that medium and large businesses in England are required to pay rose by 2.4% on 1st April for 2019/20, making it the first time that the tax rates for businesses in England has gone above 50%.


The top five councils with the most summons, by volume, were Westminster (6,882); Birmingham (6,166); Manchester (5,228); Liverpool (4,254) and Leeds (3,497).

 

How to reduce your business rates


While business rates often account for a large portion of expenditure, it is generally unknown that many businesses could actually be paying less. ActSmart are partnered with RatesRecovery, a leading business rates appeal company whose specialist Chartered Surveyors have over 40 years of experience in saving businesses money.


RatesRecovery with ActSmart can offer you a free consultation, 20% off the standard fee and a no win no fee guarantee. RatesRecovery count Mothercare, Specsavers, English Rural and 4com among the many thousands of businesses they have represented but regardless of the size of your business RatesRecovery will take all the hassle out of appealing.


RatesRecovery guarantee their clients:

  • An honest and transparent service with help and advice available whenever it is required
  • High levels of savings with no upfront charges and a no win, no fee service
  • Support from highly experienced Chartered Surveyors
  • Only a Chartered Surveyor will visit you; never a sales person

Visit the ActSmart wesbite to find out more information on how you can reduce your business rates.

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