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4 Aug 2026

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and the Bicycle Association (BA) are delighted to announce that the E-Bike Positive campaign has been shortlisted in the Cycle Advocacy category at the...

4 Aug 2026

The Metropolitan Police have seized more than 2,500 illegal electric bikes and e-scooters so far this year – already exceeding the total number seized during the whole of 2025.

3 Aug 2026

The Bikeability Trust has launched Cycles for Children, a new national fundraising appeal designed to help children continue cycling after completing their Bikeability training.

27 Jul 2026

 What is Sofa to Saddle? Think couch to 5K but with bikes! Sofa to Saddle is the new app that is going to have everyone talking, and cycling.
 

24 Jul 2026

Cycle finance values rose by almost 18% year on year in Q2 2026, according to new data from ACT service partner V12 Retail Finance, suggesting consumers continue to make higher-value cycling...

23 Jul 2026

West Midlands Police has dropped charges and reimbursed the owner of a £6,500 e-bike after admitting a test used to seize and destroy the legally compliant machine was inaccurate,...

23 Jul 2026

ACT parent company Bira has called for wider business rates relief for the high street. It comes after pubs, clubs and live music venues were handed a further 20% cut.

21 Jul 2026

There has never been a better time for local bike shop owners to invest in the next generation of cycle technicians. Here’s how your shop can benefit from the government’s new youth...

15 Jul 2026

The ACT has welcomed new rules protecting Buy-Now, Pay-Later shoppers, which came into force this week.

14 Jul 2026

New polling reveals the public cannot tell a road-legal e-bike from a non-road-legal one, as the two main cycle industry bodies, the Bicycle Association (BA) and the ACT, launch a new safety...

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How Independent Retailers Can Stand Out in A Crowded Market

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

An interesting article has appeared in Forbes reflecting many of the issues that ACT members will be experiencing – the challenges and opportunities that are currently facing independent retailers.

Store owner

The article says that, with the rise of e-commerce giants and global chains, it's more important than ever for small businesses to carve out a distinct brand identity that resonates with their target audience.

The piece argues that the cornerstone of a unique brand identity is understanding what sets your business apart and that this should include some aspect of community-building to encourage business from your local area.

It also sets out how, in today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable, even for brick-and-mortar retailers. However, while online presence is crucial, it argues that it is also important not to neglect the physical store experience, providing immersive and memorable in-store experiences that big chains often cannot replicate.

The third element the article addresses is the importance of delivering outstanding customer service, and leveraging agility as one of the key advantages of being an independent retailer.

You can read the whole Forbes piece here.

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