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10 Feb 2026

The global Cytech training network says it’s strengthening its reach with the opening of its first-ever training facility in Wales. 

4 Feb 2026

Cycling campaigners have criticised the BBC for publishing a “one-sided” report on e-bike pavement parking that blamed riders while overlooking other pedestrian hazards.

4 Feb 2026

British Transport Police (BTP) have abandoned a controversial policy that meant officers would not investigate bicycle thefts if a bike had been left outside a railway station for more than two...

3 Feb 2026

Cycling governing bodies have called on the Government to commit £30 million in targeted public investment to deliver what they describe as “transformational” benefits for...

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",...

27 Jan 2026

For most cycling businesses operating a workshop, public and products liability isn't optional. It's critical. Joanna Evans, Head of Bikmo for Business, explains in the next installment of a...

16 Jan 2026

The 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start in the UK for the first time together, with ten towns and cities across Scotland, England and Wales set to host the...

16 Jan 2026

ACT Director Jonathan Harrison will feature on an expert e-bike panel at both iceBike* 2026 events, joining key industry figures to discuss safety, perception and trust in the growing UK e-bike...

15 Jan 2026

Independent retailers across Scotland have been left disappointed by the Scottish Budget, with Bira warning that the measures announced fall short of what is...

15 Jan 2026

ACT service partner Bikebook has featured alongside the most promising startup businesses of 2026 in the long-running Startups 100 Index, an annual list celebrating the UK’s most...

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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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