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OPSS translates e-bike safety videos to improve accessibility

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has translated its e-bike and e-scooter safety guidance videos into multiple languages to improve accessibility for delivery riders and other...

19 Mar 2025, more…

UK Government issues renewed warning on dangerous UPP e-bike batteries

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of UPP e-bike batteries, urging consumers to stop using them immediately.

4 Mar 2025, more…

Independent cycle shop becomes first retailer to stock new local bike brand

Independent cycling retailer and ACT member Velo Fit has become the first to stock a new brand of bikes focused on combining quality and affordability.

28 Feb 2025, more…

Cargo e-bike logistics company enters administration following failure to find new funding

Electric cargo bike firm Zedify is set to enter administration following a failed search for new funding, after aiming to be active in 50 cities over the next few years.

19 Feb 2025, more…

UK Government removes tariffs on Chinese e-bikes sparking concerns for domestic industry

The UK Government has removed anti-dumping tariffs on non-folding e-bikes imported from China in a move that has raised alarm within the UK’s cycling industry over potential market...

14 Feb 2025, more…

Free webinar exclusive to ACT members on employment law compliance

The ACT and legal partner WorkNest are hosting an exclusive webinar on how to remain compliant with employment law while making necessary business changes.

4 Feb 2025, more…

Government publishes research on e-bike battery safety

New independent research has confirmed OEM e-bikes are effectively exempt from risk of battery fires, with unsafe post-purchase replacement batteries, conversion kits, and other equipment that...

31 Jan 2025, more…

Government rejects 500w e-Bike proposal and suggested changes to throttle assistance after consultation

The UK Government has decided not to go ahead with proposals to increase the maximum power output of e-Bikes to 500W and to permit throttle assistance following a lengthy consultation process.

31 Jan 2025, more…

Australian Cytech training provider visits UK centres for productive exchanges of insight and ideas

Cytech's Australian training provider The Bicycle Academy,  which delivers their courses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, paid visits to UK Cytech centres late last year...

22 Jan 2025, more…

ACT to deliver talk on challenges and opportunities in UK cycle industry as iceBike* seminars announced

The ACT is set to deliver a seminar at both the North and South iceBike* events discussing the current challenges and opportunities facing the UK cycle industry.

21 Jan 2025, more…

Shoppers predicted to spend £4.4bn less in the run-up to Christmas

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Shoppers predicted to spend £4.4bn less in the run-up to Christmas

Posted on 24 Oct 2022

Xmas presentNew research has indicated that UK shoppers could spend £4.4bn less on essentials ahead of Christmas – a 22% drop as the rising cost of living impacts on disposable income.

The research by Retail Economics with retail technology firm Metapack, suggests nearly 60% of shoppers expect to cut spending on non-food items in the last three months of the year, the period during which most retailers make the most profit.
The forecast, if correct, would put additional pressure on retailers facing higher energy and labour bills, as well as rising commodity costs.

The company’s Holiday Shopping Trends Report found that British consumers are expected to cut back the most, with over 70% of customers expecting to reduce spending in some form.

Most consumers cited rising prices as a major concern, as UK inflation runs near 40-year highs at 9.9%.

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This December, shoppers are expected to be nearly one-fifth fewer than before the pandemic, with numbers predicted to rise by just 4.2% from last year, when the Omicron threat kept many at home.

The shift to online shopping is also expected to slow as higher shipping and return costs for returned items lead to higher fees.

Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim said: “Inflation will peak at just the wrong time for retailers. Buyers’ budgets are already under intense pressure as inflation in international markets hit a ten-year high. Consumers are worried, budgets are under pressure, and households are set to cut spending this year in an attempt to make ends meet.

“Amid weakening consumer demand, retailers are also facing a pincer move as costs and operating costs rise, which are testing business models to the breaking point. With profit margins under intense pressure, some retailers are planning to shift shipping and return costs to areas that encourage consumers to look for alternatives.”

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