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6 Mar 2026

The Metropolitan Police have seized more than 50 illegal e-bikes during a two-day crackdown in London as part of a wider effort to tackle crime linked to illegally modified electric bikes.

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy...

4 Mar 2026

The UK cycle industry were brought together at COREbike 2026, with retailers, distributors and industry partners gathering for several days of meetings, networking and product showcases.

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local...

26 Feb 2026

Here's one that often surprises people: professional indemnity insurance. It's not just for lawyers and accountants. Joanna Evans, Head of Bikmo for Business, explains in the next installment of...

25 Feb 2026

The Rediscovery Centre has officially announced the launch of the Cytech Technical Three and Technical e-bike Courses at their training centre in Dublin.

19 Feb 2026

Cycling Industry News (CIN) is once again asking independent bike dealers and workshops to take part in its annual Market Data Survey to help build an...

19 Feb 2026

iceBike* 2026 reported record registrations and attendance growth for the second consecutive year at events held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester and the Lee Valley VeloPark in...

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've...

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.

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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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