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12 Dec 2025

Electric bike specialist title CyclingElectric.com has announced that its e-bike Demo Days will return to the four established locations in 2026, following a successful series of...

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13...

11 Dec 2025

An ACT member has picked up a ‘Mechanic of the Month’ award in a rare win for an entire team.

10 Dec 2025

The ACT has joined more than 50 organisations in signing a letter to transport secretary Heidi Alexander calling for clearer, measurable national targets for walking, wheeling and cycling in...

10 Dec 2025

A Cytech training provider has secured government support under the Skills for Life campaign to offer part-funded Cytech Skills Bootcamps in Surrey.

9 Dec 2025

In a cycling business where risks vary wildly by size, services, stock and setup, understanding your specific exposures, choosing a provider who truly knows the industry, and regularly reviewing...

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has...

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).

27 Nov 2025

Cycling charity and ACT member Life Cycle has helped a former prisoner gain key bike mechanic skills to help “break the cycle of reoffending” through a Cytech-accredited training...

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for...

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Bookshops most popular choice as 40% of Britons dream of starting their own small business

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Four in ten Britons dream of starting their own small business, with bookshops the most popular choice, according to new research by American Express Shop Small.

Bookshop owner

In the survey, cafés, fashion boutiques, restaurants and pubs made up the top five aspirational start-up businesses, with people most tempted by the prospect of having more independence (28%) and pursuing a passion (22%).

Though it remains a dream for many, those who have taken the plunge to run their own business are greatly admired, especially for their determination (57% said they admired this quality in owners of independent businesses), passion (56%) and their creativity (37%).

Top 10 dream businesses Brits would like to own:
1. Bookshop
2. Café
3. Fashion boutique
4. Restaurant
5. Pub
6. Record store
7. Bakery
8. Market stall
9. Gym
10. Hardware shop

Now in its tenth year, this year’s American Express Shop Small campaign aims to support small businesses by encouraging the nation to back their high street and enjoy the benefits of ‘shopping small’, whatever their budget.

Daniel Edelman, Vice President & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Many of the small business on our high street represent the fulfilment of someone’s dreams; although it can be incredibly rewarding, it takes a lot of hard work and determination. That’s why we’ve been running our Shop Small campaign in the UK since 2012 to celebrate these small business owners by encouraging everyone to shop small, whether on everyday purchases or a little festive treat.”

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