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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024.

UK Street

The report, which can be downloaded here, has highlighted a number of growth indicators for the period.

The report states:

  • UK Total retail sales increased year-on-year in September
  • Food sales increased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • Non-Food sales decreased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • In-store Non-Food sales decreased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • Online Non-Food sales increased year-on-year in September
  • Online penetration rate increased in September *Online penetration rate = the proportion of Non-Food items bought online

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "It's encouraging to see sales growth in September, especially after many months of decline. However, we must recognise that this growth in sales is not covering the increase in costs that retailers are facing.

"On a positive note, if consumers start to spend more on a consistent basis, independent retailers will be keen to invest and grow their businesses. However, this investment and growth is only possible if business rates are not increased in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

"The Chancellor has the power to extend the retail, hospitality and leisure relief, which is absolutely vital if high streets are to be revitalised and grow. We urge the government to consider this crucial support for the retail sector."

Bira emphasises that while the sales increase is welcome news, sustained support is necessary for the long-term health of the retail sector, particularly for independent retailers.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is a membership group supporting independent shops, hospitality and service retail businesses throughout the UK. Bira brought ACT into its group of retailers earlier in March 2023.

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