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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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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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