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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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Cytech Training Returns to Darlington as Activate Cycle Academy Reopens Workshop

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

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.

Activate Cycle Academy

The academy, a Cytech training provider and member of the ACT, has reinstated the workshop inside the ZyroFisher building in Darlington.

The workshop is now led by new trainer Chris Borrowdale, a former British Army instructor and experienced downhill racer with a background in outdoor adventure.

Borrowdale gained his cycle mechanic training and Technical Trail Leader qualifications while in the military and brings a wealth of leadership and mechanical experience to the role.

“During my time in the forces, I was incredibly lucky to take part in and gain qualifications in loads of adventure training, including my cycle mechanic training and my Technical Trail Leader,” Mr Barrowdale said.

After leaving the army in 2017, Borrowdale worked and travelled abroad, including a summer as head bike guide in Greece, where he managed a busy hire fleet and developed the skills of his team.

“Taking on this role felt like something that had been a few years coming,” he added.

The facility first opened in 2022 but was temporarily closed while the academy searched for a new trainer.

Reacting to the reopening, Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cytech training return to Darlington, helping ensure high standards of cycle maintenance training are accessible to more people across the UK.”

Courses at the Darlington workshop are now available to book through the Activate Cycle Academy website.

Members of the ACT get exclusive access to Cytech accreditation. To learn more, visit the Cytech website.

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