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21 Aug 2023

A report in Cycling Industry News says that 60% of Fix Your Bike vouchers that were issued during the peak Covid lockdown period were redeemed at smaller bike shops and...

10 Aug 2023

One in five UK consumers (20%) prefer using mobile payment services such as Apple Pay over cash (17%) or chip & PIN card payments (10%) for in-store purchases, a new survey has reported.

9 Aug 2023

Fully funded training for school and college leavers is available for the Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeship for those under 19 years of age at the start of the apprenticeship.

9 Aug 2023

ACT Gold Member Luchos, which has pioneered a new energy block for cyclists and endurance athletes that acts as a natural alternative to energy drinks and gels ladened...

9 Aug 2023

VOLT e-bikes has announced the launch of a unique Cancel Anytime Subscription model in
conjunction with e-bike rental provider Blike.

8 Aug 2023

The CE mark, which is used in the EU to certify that a product meets certain safety standards is to be retained indefinitely, after the government announced an extension of CE mark recognition...

8 Aug 2023

ACT member and Cytech-accredited Bridgtown Cycles in Cannock has been named Premium Bike Shop of the Year in the Midlands Enterprise Awards. Now in its sixth year, the awards showcase the...

26 Jul 2023

“Red tape and barriers to trade” currently affecting businesses because of Brexit have been blamed by cycle distributor FLi Distribution after it ceased trading with immediate...

25 Jul 2023

Norwich has triumphed ahead of Newcastle and Belfast to be named the most cycle-friendly city in the UK, scoring  high marks for categories like cycle routes, bike sharing schemes and...

25 Jul 2023

ACT member BikeTown in Rutherglen is to hold a cycling festival in the lead-up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

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Independents' Day blog: Prepare your business for a successful summer

Posted on in Cycles News , Creative News

Tayprint is a family run Dundee-based printing service that works with a wide variety of independent businesses from throughout the UK. From large format signage to custom printed garments, we’ve had the unique perspective of both adjusting ourselves, as well as witnessing how a wide variety of independent businesses have handled the changing commercial landscape of the last few years.

With a view on interesting trends that developed such as a shift from formal workwear uniforms to one off custom pieces for the print on demand industry, or the pivot from physical advertising to a larger online presence. However, with things swinging back to normal it’s important not to neglect these traditional staples.

With this summer and for Independents Day, especially after the last few years, it is crucial that businesses can make the most of the increased footfall of physical shoppers. With their experience, Independent's Day want to offer advice on some of the ways you can prepare your business for a successful summer.

 

    1. Firstly, before you commit any time or money to advertising it’s important to make sure your branding is unified, both on and offline. I’m sure you’ll know by now how important having an online presence is. However, it’s crucial that it links back to the rest of your business. Especially if you don’t rely on online sales.

    2. With physical shopping making a comeback it’s important to remember physical advertising. Whether it’s a few posters or a large format banner. Now that footfall is up to the highest level since 2019, and the UK being one of the most successful G7 countries for high street recovery, its important you use every opportunity to get your business seen.

    3. With all these big changes its easy to forget the little things, ways to give your business that extra professional touch. Getting a stack of personalised business cards doesn’t mean you need to be giving them to everyone that passes, but having some on display for anyone interested, or professional events, certainly helps legitimise your independent business. Another small addition is an updated uniform. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, even just a branded hoodie or polo shirt adds that extra professional touch to an otherwise casual outfit.

    4. Lastly don’t forget about your shop itself! Everyone can use some spring cleaning and what better time than for Independents Day. Freshen up your premises and branding with crisp new interior signage. Whether it’s a PVC banner advertising temporary events and sales, or more robust Foamex boards that are ideal for permanent fixtures such as menus, informative signage, or simply just decorative branding. You’ll definitely catch your customers eye with these new additions. It’s also a great opportunity to show off on social media, and it’ll look great next to your Independents Day posters.

 

Find out how you can support Independent's Day here.

 

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