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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 comments after BRC release Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor Report for December

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

ACT parent company Bira has warned that disappointing footfall figures for December show mounting pressures on independent retailers, with concerning implications for 2025 as business costs continue to rise.

Rain Bench UK

The latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor report revealed decreases across most retail locations:

  • Total UK retail footfall decreased by 2.2% (YoY)
  • High Street footfall decreased by 2.7% (YoY)
  • Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 3.3% (YoY)
  • Retail Park footfall remained flat at 0.0% (YoY)
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "These figures paint a worrying picture of the challenges facing independent retailers. The decline in footfall during the crucial Christmas trading period is particularly concerning, as this is typically when retailers need to generate the revenue that will see them through the quieter months ahead. Looking ahead to 2025, we see little reason for optimism unless the government takes decisive action.

"With retailers facing increases in National Insurance contributions, National Living Wage, and business rates, many independent stores will struggle to maintain viability. We urgently call on the government to reconsider the planned business rates increase for small retailers – this could be the difference between survival and closure for many independents on our high streets."

The challenges currently faced by independent cycling retailers and the bike industry as a whole have also been brought into sharp focus following news of folding bike manufacturer Brompton's sharp decline in profits, falling from £10.7 million to just £4,600 in the year to April 2024. CEO Will Butler-Adams attributed the dramatic fall in profits to lower-than-expected bike sales and delays in cost reductions due to fixed commitments.

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