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3 Jan 2024

For our latest retailer spotlight, we spoke with Steven Grimwood from the brilliant Elmy Cycles in Ipswich, who has been working in the cycle trade since he was 14 years old

3 Jan 2024

Bike theft in the UK has effectively been 'decriminalised' as more than 365,000 cases went unsolved in the last five years, the Liberal Democrats have claimed.

3 Jan 2024

A new year means new challenges – but also new opportunities for cycle traders too and planning now so you can gain a competitive advantage and thrive in the warmer months will be key to...

2 Jan 2024

Hudjo is the first online marketplace that lets cyclists park with locals, which relieves the anxiety of parking your bike. 

20 Dec 2023

The ACT office will be open as usual (9am-5pm) for the majority of the Christmas period, with some exceptions.

19 Dec 2023

Bira's CEO, Andrew Goodacre, took the spotlight on BBC Breakfast this week and later spoke with Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live, shedding light on the rise in retail crime and shop theft,...

14 Dec 2023

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a new safety message, highlighting the steps people should take when owning or thinking of buying an e-bike or scooter.

13 Dec 2023

A bike shop that was created to provide jobs for ex-offenders leaving prison has now become a safe space for people to park their bikes.

11 Dec 2023

ACT member On The Brakes in Leigh on Sea, Essex is celebrating after being named independent business of the year in a local competition set up by a local MP to celebrate the “incredible...

11 Dec 2023

A controversial ban on e-bikes in certain pedestrianised parts of Coventry city centre has come into force, with the deputy leader of the council warning that riders can expect strict...

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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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