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26 Jun 2026

Retailers offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) or other short-term interest-free credit options should be aware of important regulatory changes taking effect from 15 July 2026.

26 Jun 2026

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed government moves to accelerate reforms to low-value import rules, but warned that the October 2028 timetable still leaves UK high streets exposed to unfair...

25 Jun 2026

Consumer watchdog Which has brought together retail industry leaders to call for tougher regulation of online marketplaces amid growing concerns over unsafe and non compliant products being sold...

24 Jun 2026

The ACT is backing a nationwide campaign from Cycling UK aimed at helping more people get back on their bikes with free safety checks and simple repairs this summer.

24 Jun 2026

Independent retailers have welcomed government proposals to tackle VAT fraud through online marketplaces, describing the move as a positive step towards creating a fairer trading environment for...

22 Jun 2026

Shared e-bike operator Lime has been hit with more than £140,000 in fines after its users were found to be the worst offenders for poor parking in the Royal Borough...

18 Jun 2026

Cycling industry leaders and campaigners have given a mixed response to the Government’s new £4.5 billion Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3), with some describing it as...

15 Jun 2026

If you stock e-bikes, you may need to re-read your policy because a generic shop or retail insurance policy is unlikely to cut it these days. Unless you have a policy designed to accommodate...

12 Jun 2026

The first ever Local Bike Shop Week has been hailed a major success, as the Association of Cycle Traders Director made a personal visit to present the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards winner...

11 Jun 2026

Local Bike Shop Week has delivered a successful nationwide campaign, bringing together major cycling media, leading industry partners and, most importantly, independent bike shops across the UK...

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Bicycle shops can remain open for business

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Political News

Following the Prime Minister's announcement last night in which he stated non-essential businesses and premises must now close, further information regarding bicycle shops has now been published.

Bicycle shops are considered an exception to the measures and can remain open for business.

You can read the Government guidance here.

The ACT fully supported the industry suppliers efforts (via the Bicycle Association) that bicycle repair shops must remain open, with a particular focus upon continuity of transport for essential workers.

The initial measures, outlined during the Prime Minister's announcement, will be in place for 3 weeks. During which time we will, as an industry, continue to lobby the Government that access to bicycle shops is critical to the delivery of essential worker transport as well as providing the ideal solution for safe and healthy exercise.

The guidance underlines the important role of the cycle industry at this difficult time and it continues to be encouraged for exercise and commuting by Government.

It is evident from the sudden surge in demand from people returning to cycling that bicycle shops have a key role to play in the current landscape, but we fully support those businesses that wish to close for now in the interests of the safety of their staff and customers. The ACT has published guidance and along with our partners we are here to guide & support businesses through this period.

The ACT will be playing its role:

  • Advising those retailers who choose to stay open how they can best adapt their business to optimise sales whilst staying within safe guidelines
  • Offering support and advice for any business wishing to close
  • Developing consumer engagement, making the general public more aware of cycling benefits and continuity options for health, travel and wellbeing

We are in the process of producing materials for retailers to display to help with social distancing in store, including posters on queuing at a safe distance and distancing at till points. These items will be available later today and circulated to the ACT database.

 

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