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8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling...

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow...

2 May 2025

Could the UK cycling industry be showing signs of renewed momentum? Following a challenging period marked by falling sales and overstocked inventories, overall trends and sales figures from...

2 May 2025

The Netherlands is set to legalise electric scooters and other light electric vehicles on public roads from July 2025, provided they are registered and display a license plate.

30 Apr 2025

The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike...

29 Apr 2025

Edinburgh has been named the UK’s top city for bike commuting, with 10.00% of its workforce choosing to cycle to work, according to new research.

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.

15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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Scottish retailers call for urgent business rates support as gap widens with rest of UK

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Scottish independent retailers, including those in the cycling sector, are urging the Scottish Government to provide crucial business rates relief in its upcoming budget, as the disparity in support between Scotland and the rest of the UK continues to grow.

Glasgow Commerce Scotland

ONS data reveals that retail insolvencies in Scotland have increased at a faster rate than in England and Wales over the past two years, since the retail discount was abandoned in Scotland. This trend suggests the Scottish government's policy is actively damaging the high street, which includes bike retailers that play a key role in promoting active travel and environmental goals.

The situation looks set to worsen as retailers in England prepare to receive 40% business rates relief from April 2024, while Scottish high street businesses, including cycling shops, have received no comparable support for the past two years, despite facing identical challenges with rising costs and economic pressures.

Karen Forret, Owner and Managing Director of Wilkies and Member Director for ACT parent company Bira, said: "Scottish retailers will be up against it come April with the new National Insurance and wage costs. We need the Scottish Government's support more than ever.

"For the last two years, Scottish high streets have had no support from the Scottish Government, while our counterparts south of the border and in Wales have received vital assistance. Retail is not just an essential part of our communities but also critical for Scottish tourism."

Bira, along with the ACT, is highlighting that the lack of comparable support puts Scottish retailers at a significant competitive disadvantage, particularly as they face increasing operational costs and economic challenges in 2024.

The organisations await the Scottish Government's budget announcement, hoping for measures that will help protect and sustain Scotland's vital high street retail sector which encompasses shops that support the cycling industry that has attracted significant investment in cities such as Glasgow.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "The future of our high streets hangs in the balance. We urge the Scottish Government to recognise the crucial role independent retailers play in Scotland's economy and communities by providing comparable support to that offered elsewhere in the UK."

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