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26 Jun 2026

Retailers offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) or other short-term interest-free credit options should be aware of important regulatory changes taking effect from 15 July 2026.

26 Jun 2026

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed government moves to accelerate reforms to low-value import rules, but warned that the October 2028 timetable still leaves UK high streets exposed to unfair...

25 Jun 2026

Consumer watchdog Which has brought together retail industry leaders to call for tougher regulation of online marketplaces amid growing concerns over unsafe and non compliant products being sold...

24 Jun 2026

The ACT is backing a nationwide campaign from Cycling UK aimed at helping more people get back on their bikes with free safety checks and simple repairs this summer.

24 Jun 2026

Independent retailers have welcomed government proposals to tackle VAT fraud through online marketplaces, describing the move as a positive step towards creating a fairer trading environment for...

22 Jun 2026

Shared e-bike operator Lime has been hit with more than £140,000 in fines after its users were found to be the worst offenders for poor parking in the Royal Borough...

18 Jun 2026

Cycling industry leaders and campaigners have given a mixed response to the Government’s new £4.5 billion Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3), with some describing it as...

15 Jun 2026

If you stock e-bikes, you may need to re-read your policy because a generic shop or retail insurance policy is unlikely to cut it these days. Unless you have a policy designed to accommodate...

12 Jun 2026

The first ever Local Bike Shop Week has been hailed a major success, as the Association of Cycle Traders Director made a personal visit to present the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards winner...

11 Jun 2026

Local Bike Shop Week has delivered a successful nationwide campaign, bringing together major cycling media, leading industry partners and, most importantly, independent bike shops across the UK...

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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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