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18 Jul 2025

Bike hire schemes across the UK are sparking a rise in interest in bike ownership, according to new research from ACT member Paul’s Cycles.

17 Jul 2025

A new local pilot scheme has been launched aimed at reducing traffic by encouraging more people to cycle instead of drive.

16 Jul 2025

Urgent, collective action is needed to improve children’s access to bikes as “too many are being left behind”, according to Bikeability Trust chief executive Emily Cherry.

9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

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Indie retailers doubt Liz Truss will help the high street

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

New research from Ankorstore, an online B2B platform that connects brands and shops in Europe, has shown that independent retailers are relying on the support of local shoppers, rather than the government, to keep them afloat.

The research featured 4,000 respondents made up of 2,000 nationally representative UK consumers and 2,000 UK SME business owners in retail.

Liz Truss

Whilst 69% of the latter felt optimistic that consumers would continue to support their shop, despite the cost-of-living crisis, fewer have faith that the government will positively support independent retailers and high streets (44%).

Gen Z independent retail owners are the most optimistic and hopeful that the new Prime Minister will have a positive impact when it comes to supporting local high streets and independent retailers, with 61% believing the new leader will have a positive impact.

This steadily decreases with age: 52% of 35-44s, 25% of 45-54s and just 17% of over 55s believe the same.

85% of independent retailers are also calling on the government to cut business rates to preserve British high streets, with that figure rising to 90% for those who only have physical stores.

86% of UK consumers have already noticed an increase in the number of empty shops on their local high streets, and three quarters agree that the government should provide more support for independent retailers and shops.

Tarun Gidoomal, UK General Manager at Ankorstore, comments: “Our research confirms the harsh reality that the majority of small businesses do not predict that they will survive the extraordinary pressures that they are currently facing.”

“As a business that champions and supports independent retailers all over Europe, we hope this research serves as a wakeup call to the UK government. Inaction is simply not an option at such a pivotal time for independents.”

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