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18 May 2023

A lobby group has warned of the “startling rise in the cost of accepting cards” for small businesses after the European chief of Mastercard defended the fees it levies on merchants.

18 May 2023

It has been reported by This Is Money that HMRC now holds 55 billion items of taxpayers' data, including email and bank records, as it cracks down on tax avoidance. The data is held on its...

18 May 2023

Sustrans is working with local businesses to provide bike maintenance stations and pumps at key stops along the National Cycle Network in Scotland, which, it says, will support more people to...

16 May 2023

Cycling UK has opened nominations for its annual 100 Women in Cycling list, which celebrates the inspirational women working in the cycle sector.

16 May 2023

Bike sales in 2022 were lower than 2021 throughout Europe's main markets, Bike Europe has reported, but e-bike sales continue to thrive - although the UK seems to be the exception.

9 May 2023

A mixed picture is emerging about the effect of the Coronation weekend across the UK's retail sector.

9 May 2023

Nominations have opened for the 2023 British Business Awards.

9 May 2023

The European retail sector has enjoyed its best month for international spending on Tax Free goods since the end of the pandemic after sales surged by 40% month on month in March 2023, taking...

4 May 2023

A study into the positive health effects of riding an electric bike has picked up traction in Germany’s press in the past week, according to a piece in Cycling Electric. Researchers at the...

4 May 2023

Two Derby businessmen have come together to encourage locals to hop on their bikes. Dean Jackson and Paul Martin have launched the city's first road racing team to help inspire...

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ACT re-structures for future retail

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Power in numbers

In these most challenging times for retail the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is restructuring to become even more focussed on the needs of retailers. By closely aligning the ACT with the many trade organisations and sectors that make up the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) we will be working with over 100,000 independent retailers engaging Government, business and consumers.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

 

The urgency to adapt

Since the lockdown ACT subscribers have reached record levels and the industry has benefitted from a phenomenal spike in demand, especially for workshop services. But, as the pandemic continues to impact the economy, an already fragile high street is witnessing business closures and changes in consumer buying habits that are altering the face of retail forever. As our very existence comes under threat, it is essential that the retail sector works together in partnership, sharing knowledge, buying power and resources to adapt for future retail

 

The role of the ACT

The ACT has been accessed by businesses more than any other cycling organisation; we have an established fundamental role, knowledge and representation. Following lengthy consultation, the remodelled ACT is looking to prioritise retail turnover, engagement with consumers, increased Government engagement on business, alongside our work with cycling advocacy bodies and support services for a business's greatest asset - your people.

The ACT is the largest active leisure member of the IRC and passionately retains its heritage in cycling, continuing to work with the numerous organisations engaged with cycle and mobility advocacy in the UK, especially where activities impact directly upon the business community. At such a critical time for business the ACT's key focus will be on extended support and development in partnership, rather than duplication of established activities.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

 

Come one come all

A new membership structure will allow all businesses to embrace the ACT as their trade body; more accessible to any business who can benefit from a selection of services free of charge. Participants at every level will benefit from extended business support with new services being added to the portfolio alongside a reduced pricing structure to cater for all.

 

People and skills come first

The ACT's focus on recruitment, skilling and retention is becoming ever more critical as the changes in retail rapidly identify the need for investment in people and skills. The Cytech programme is currently undertaking expansion plans in all markets globally to support the worldwide demand for cycle technicians, encouragingly with increased Government support.

 

The way forward

The ACT is adapting with the objective of bringing the cycle business community closer together, with a priority focus upon speciality retail. This will not only better serve businesses and the people employed in these businesses, but will increase consumer engagement and encourage growth in cycling participation.

For further information please refer to the ACT relaunch brochure.

 

Read the ACT relaunch brochure now

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