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17 Jan 2025

The ACT has teamed up with employment law, HR, and health and safety experts WorkNest as the association's new legal partner.

10 Jan 2025

The ACT have presented a formal complaint to the BBC, with Director Jonathan Harrison claiming the program was misrepresentative and made "incorrect claims about regulations".

9 Jan 2025

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...

18 Dec 2024

Director of the ACT Jonathan Harrison has praised the "resilience and adaptability" of the ACT and its members in an end of year message.

17 Dec 2024

UK bicycle retailers are set to benefit from a groundbreaking partnership between the ACT and Bikmo Cycle Insurance, offering a new revenue stream and competitive edge in the increasingly...

16 Dec 2024

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new policy aimed at tackling the issue of irresponsible dockless e-bike and e-scooter parking across designated areas of London.

13 Dec 2024

The Government has published new statutory guidelines to help businesses produce and distribute safe e-bike batteries and reduce the risk of unsafe products being sold online or as part of a...

5 Dec 2024

A former British cyclist, a host of CEOs and industry leaders are sharing their thoughts on the future of the cycling industry as part of a revealing new series launched by the Ride to Success...

4 Dec 2024

As credit card fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, taking these steps could help you stay ahead of the fraudsters…

29 Nov 2024

Scottish independent retailers, including those in the cycling sector, are urging the Scottish Government to provide crucial business rates relief in its upcoming budget, as the disparity in...

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How independents can become more sustainable

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

From saving energy and lighting costs, to using biodegradable packaging and prolonging a product’s lifespan, Drapers Magazine has been looking at how independent retailers can improve their sustainability practices.

sustainability logo

You can read the full article here but key points made in the piece include:

Independent retailers can aim to meet their sustainability targets by fitting their stores in the most low-impact materials available. From lighting to the materials used for furniture and shelving, the interior elements used can add to a business’s sustainability credentials.

Retailers should opt for LED (light-emitting diode) lighting to limit their energy usage. LED lights use less energy and last for up to 14 years. LEDs also require less energy to produce the same amount of brightness as incandescent bulbs, reducing running costs by up to 90%.

The article also points to how independent retailers have taken further practical steps to save energy against rising costs, mentioning Padstow-based clothing and accessories independent Aloft in Cornwall, which is conserving energy by keeping doors closed to conserve heating during the day and turning the lights off when the store is closed overnight.

Independent retailers are also advised to explore the use of recyclable or reusable packaging for both in store and online sales.

Independents, it says, can take the lead of womenswear retailer Black White Denim in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which has started its own rental service. It introduced the option to rent occasion wear dresses and tops in 2020. Its current rental selection offers London-based womenswear brand Self-Portrait. Consumers can rent products for four days at a cost of 16%-25% of the retail price, equivalent to £50-£60 to rent for four days, plus an additional refundable deposit of 20% of the retail price. The womenswear boutique handles the entire process, from delivery and shipping returns to cleaning.

Rental allows retailers to maximise the utilisation of their stock, providing them with a “secondary income.

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