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1 Jun 2026

E‑Bike Positive has entered a new phase with the introduction of its updated Retailer Commitment, as the scheme prepares for a full public launch this summer.

29 May 2026

ACT Director Jonathan Harrison Featured on Latest BikeBiz Podcast Discussing E-Bike Positive

29 May 2026

New data shared by ACT partner V12 highlights the growing role of finance in the cycle retail sector

28 May 2026

Cycling UK is launching The Big Fix, a national campaign helping people get unused bikes back on the road

27 May 2026

New research suggesting motorists are increasingly turning to cycling as fuel prices rise

15 May 2026

BT has announced price increases on copper lines, ISDN and multiline setups starting from May 2026

14 May 2026

Following a strong industry response to Gogeta’s decision to remove retailer fees entirely, the cycle-to-work provider is encouraging independent retailers to take a more proactive role in...

8 May 2026

Bike shops across the UK have been at the centre of a week-long celebration

1 May 2026

An independent bike shop in Yorkshire has been crowned the first ever Local Bike Shop Awards winner, securing 42% of the public vote.

1 May 2026

ACT partner Gogeta has announced it has cut retailer fees to 0% effective immediately, becoming the first UK cycle-to-work scheme to remove retailer charges entirely.

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How the ACT's Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) membership will benefit IBDs

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

IRC full logoThe ACT has recently restructured to align itself even more closely with the partner organisations that make up the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC).

For over two decades the ACT has worked with the IRC representing the interests of well over 100,000 specialist retailers; over recent months the challenges we have all faced together has underwritten the value of that partnership, even more so as we look towards the future of the high street.

What the IRC brings the IBD:

  • Unrivalled access to Government on business matters impacting speciality retail
  • Extensive and ever increasing engagement opportunities with the public/new customers
  • A width of knowledge and experience in delivering business support across multiple sectors, high streets and shopping parades throughout the UK
  • Increased buying power and influence with commercial, Government and national agencies
  • Information, advice and best practice standards for Indie Retail
  • IRC meets every fortnight to discuss and co-ordinate action on issues impacting Indie Retail
  • The opportunity to rebuild the high street together for the future
  • Organises the Government recognised Best Small Shops competition that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of independent retailers
The 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. 
 
The restructure means that full annual ACT membership is now available for £60p.a. the equivalent of just £5p.m.
 
To learn more about the ACT's restructure and new and improved pricing read the ACT brochure or click on the link below to join the ACT now.
 
 
 

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