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27 Nov 2023

Cycling UK has released its annual 100 Women in Cycling list for 2023, the seventh such initiative to celebrate women across the British cycling community and those who inspire others to cycle.

27 Nov 2023

The former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Lord Hogan-Howe, has said number plates should be introduced on the back of bikes to stop so many cyclists being a danger on...

23 Nov 2023

Retail sector leaders have expressed a range of concerns, from taxation to business rates, following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement this week.

15 Nov 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has outlined its expectations from the government...

14 Nov 2023

ACT member and Cytech-accredited Stonehaven shop Bike Remedy has been given permission to expand its offering by building a bike shelter and tool station outside its premises.

14 Nov 2023

As more people turn to cycling, more jobs are being created in the industry, according to an article in The Sun.

14 Nov 2023

Cytech Training Scotland, proudly operated by Bike for Good, is thrilled to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements in providing top-notch Cytech bicycle maintenance training. Over the past...

14 Nov 2023

The ACT is urging any cycling retailers affected by technical issues being reported with the 'buy now, pay later' app Klarna to consider whether they may be better served by switching to an...

9 Nov 2023

Cytech has been named as the provider of Best Retailer Services in the 2023 BikeBiz Awards, recognising the positive impact of its service to the cycling industry. More than 25,000 Cytech...

2 Nov 2023

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and the Bicycle Association (BA), the two cycle industry trade bodies in the UK, have issued a joint response to the initiative of the Electrical Safety...

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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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