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15 Oct 2024

The ACT is launching a campaign to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news while promoting the positive aspects of e-bike usage.

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024

10 Oct 2024

Cycle to Work scheme provider Gogeta has reported a significant increase in the number of employers signing up to its scheme.

9 Oct 2024

A UK cycling charity focused on recycling unused bikes and providing them to disadvantaged people has set up a fundraiser to help tackle significant increases in its costs.

9 Oct 2024

Long-standing independent bike shop Cyclesense has revealed a complete rebrand as it seeks to reflect its evolution from a local shop to a nationally recognised cycling retailer.

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also...

3 Oct 2024

3 in 4 Britons (77%) would ban paper receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to generate them – and millennials are the most eco-conscious (rising to 87%).

25 Sep 2024

Major media outlets, including the BBC and Sky News, as well as regional and cycling-focused media to the growing  have been giving significant coverage to E-Bike Positive, the largest-ever...

25 Sep 2024

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) is excited to announce its new partnership with Renticy, the dynamic platform transforming retail through rental solutions. This collaboration brings a...

24 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK's high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event's return after a six-year...

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NI high street £100 voucher site opens for shoppers to "spend local"

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Political News

Northern Ireland's high street voucher scheme is now open to everyone aged 18 and over to apply online for a £100 "spend local" card to use in shops before the end of November.

However, there were problems with the application page on the NI Direct site after it opened on Monday morning.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said "not everybody has to rush at once" to it.

Some people have complained on social media that the website had crashed them while others said they had not received a verification message after entering their email address.

Mr Lyons acknowledged there was "huge demand".

He said the verification messages were being sent "in a staged process just to make sure the website isn't overwhelmed all at once".

"There is a card available for everyone that is eligible so I would encourage people to apply for that over the coming weeks," he said.

The cards are expected to arrive between seven and 10 days after you apply.

They can be used in any shop with a card machine but cannot be used online or for gambling or legal services like penalties.

A phone application service will open on 11 October for anyone who does not have access to the internet.

The online and phone application processes will remain open until 25 October.

The £145m scheme is designed to boost activity in businesses hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, like non-essential retail and hospitality.

Applications to the High Street Spend Local Scheme can be made through this page on the NI Direct website

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