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8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling...

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow...

2 May 2025

Could the UK cycling industry be showing signs of renewed momentum? Following a challenging period marked by falling sales and overstocked inventories, overall trends and sales figures from...

2 May 2025

The Netherlands is set to legalise electric scooters and other light electric vehicles on public roads from July 2025, provided they are registered and display a license plate.

30 Apr 2025

The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike...

29 Apr 2025

Edinburgh has been named the UK’s top city for bike commuting, with 10.00% of its workforce choosing to cycle to work, according to new research.

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.

15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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Large number of bike shops help Cambridge be as named best city for independent retailers

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

According to a new survey, Cambridge is the best in the country for independent shopping to support small businesses. The study found that many of the city's small businesses turned out to be bike shops.

Cambridge bikes and posters

South Western Railway analysed the total number of independent shops in each town and city against population figures to reveal the home to the highest number of independent retailers per 100,000 people. Cambridge topped the list with 35 retailers per 100,000 people. Within that, the city known for its large cycling population boasts 19 independent bike shops.

SWR also analysed how many shoppers would be boycotting Black Friday this year, a discount that small businesses may struggle to keep up with. They have said that last year 85 per cent of independent businesses rejected the discount event, and this year that figure is still in question as small businesses struggle to survive the rising cost of running a business.

This year's study found that 43% of British shoppers are planning to boycott Black Friday this year, and 42% are worried about how the event impacts independent retailers. Calli Ward, Head of Marketing at South Western Railway says: “Nothing beats getting to know a city through the businesses and people that make it what it is.

"Being able to give back by supporting small, independent retailers is so important, no matter where you are in the UK. Whether you are visiting a new place, or discovering local gems, consider grabbing your next coffee, next gift for a friend, or new bike gear from an indie shop. There are plenty across the UK offering bespoke, independent shopping experiences who would no doubt appreciate your custom.”

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