Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT:
As we approach the end of the year, it feels timely to reflect on 2025 and what it has meant for the cycle sector.
A mild winter and an early spring brought riders out sooner than expected, driving workshop demand and reinforcing an important truth: customers still value physical shops. Despite the growth of online retail, servicing and advice-led sales continue to happen face to face.
From late spring onwards, however, the trading environment became markedly tougher. Consumer confidence softened just as the cost of running a business rose sharply again.
Many independent retailers faced substantial increases in business rates and above-inflation wage costs, while the growing problem of illicit and non-compliant aftermarket products continued to undermine the legitimate e-bike sector. At the same time, broader UK economic growth stalled, and the Autumn Budget did little to relieve pressure on high-street cycle retailers. Collectively, these factors made the second half of the year significantly more challenging for much of the sector, despite market reports indicating six consecutive months of growth.
Despite these challenges, the resilience, professionalism and adaptability of ACT members has been clear throughout 2025. Independent cycle retailers continue to evolve, finding new ways to serve their communities, diversify income streams and deliver the expertise and trust that only local bike shops can provide. These businesses are central to active travel, decarbonisation and local economies. Independent cycle retail is not disappearing; it is adapting, and it remains the most vital part of the UK cycling ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ACT’s focus remains unchanged: to support independent cycle businesses to trade successfully in a demanding environment. We will continue to campaign for fairer trading conditions, tackle unsafe and illegal practices in the market, safeguard the future of e-bikes through E-bike Positive, celebrate independent bike dealers via Local Bike Shop Day, and expand the practical support and services we offer members, from Cytech training to cost-saving commercial services.
Thank you for your continued support of the ACT. Together, we will keep pushing to ensure that independent cycle retailers not only survive, but are well placed to grow in the years ahead.