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27 Oct 2026

A leading criminologist has warned that shop thieves are now stealing to order, with demand for stolen goods driving the crime.

27 Oct 2026

A new advice article from Cycling Electric editor Mark Sutton looks at the pitfalls consumers can face when buying an e-bike through mass online marketplaces such as...

26 Oct 2026

A health food shop barely a year old has beaten a record field of nominations to be named high street shop of the year.

26 Oct 2026

A new survey of food delivery riders has highlighted the extent to which modified and converted e-bikes are being used in the gig economy, alongside gaps in riders’...

26 Oct 2026

A Cycling UK-led campaign against Merseyrail’s proposed ban on non-folding e-bikes is gathering momentum, with the organisation urging riders and supporters to...

22 Oct 2026

Bira is urging businesses of all sizes to check their websites are protected, following a warning about a critical security flaw affecting PHP.

21 Oct 2026

Independent retailers, including cycle shops and IBDs, face a looming cost crisis unless the Chancellor acts in the Budget, ACT parent company Bira has warned.

20 Oct 2026

The E-Bike Positive scheme has won the Cycle Advocacy of the Year award at the 2026 BikeBiz Awards, recognising its work to improve e-bike safety, raise standards and help consumers identify...

16 Oct 2026

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed plans to make online marketplaces collect VAT but warns that proposed exemptions could undermine the crackdown.

14 Oct 2026

A strong security setup can help retailers reduce the risk of repeat incidents and protect their insurability. Joanna Evans, Head of Bikmo for Business, explains in the next instalment of a...

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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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