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Bike for Good’s improved Cytech traineeship for women and non-binary people proving successful

A new and improved traineeship programme for women and non-binary people being implemented by  Bike for Good, which delivers Cytech training in Scotland, is proving successful.

15 Jun 2023, more…

Cytech training provider Spokes People to deliver workshops at National Cycling Show 2023, opening this Saturday 17th June

Lee & Darren from Spokes People, one of Cytech’s UK training providers, are attending the National Cycling Show this weekend and will be delivering various workshops and sessions for...

14 Jun 2023, more…

Get yourself a free ticket to the National Cycling Show with V12

ACT partners V12 Finance, who are headline sponsors for this year’s National Cycle Show, have an allocation of free tickets that they would like to share with you!

31 May 2023, more…

Cytech to deliver seminars at Cycle Show 2023, opening this Friday 21st April

Cytech are attending the Cycle Show and will be demonstrating key practices in bike maintenance that are useful for both the trade and public.

17 Apr 2023, more…

Just over a week to go until The Cycle Show 2023, celebrating 20 years

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, will be joined by training providers Activate Cycle Academy and Spokes People when the...

12 Apr 2023, more…

iceBike* 2023 South opens its doors tomorrow, ACT to be joined again by new service partner Tyl by NatWest

With the North edition having closed its doors only a couple of days ago, we are again readying ourselves to meet with members at the South edition of iceBike* 2023 at The Tobacco Dock in London...

8 Mar 2023, more…

Just over a week to go until iceBike* 2023 opens it's doors, ACT to exhibit with service partners

The ACT will be joined by key service partners when leading trade show iceBike* returns as an in-person event for the first time since 2020 on Sunday 5th March and Monday 6th March at the...

23 Feb 2023, more…

Speak with Cytech about your mechanic training needs at iceBike* 2023

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, will be at next month’s iceBike* 2023 shows at the Manchester Velodrome and at...

21 Feb 2023, more…

Registration for members of the trade for the 2023 Cycle Show in London is now open

Taking place from 21st-23rd April 2023 at the iconic Alexandra Palace venue in North London, The Cycle Show brings together a variety of exhibitors from the cycle and e-mobility sectors, aimed...

2 Feb 2023, more…

94% independent retailers urge government to ‘preserve UK high streets’

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94% independent retailers urge government to ‘preserve UK high streets’

Posted on 10 Nov 2022

A new report by Ankorstore and retail consultant Mary Portas has found that 94% of independent retailers want the government to act in next week’s budget to preserve the UK’s high streets.

A total of 97% of independent retailers believe the UK government has not provided enough support as costs increase, according to a new research report, The Future of Independent Retail.

Meanwhile, 74% are calling for the Energy Relief Scheme to be extended beyond March.

If the energy relief scheme isn’t extended, almost half of all independent retailers (42%) said they will either close or consider closing.

quaint street

“We know there is hope for our local high streets post-Covid. Shoppers want to support them and almost half of retailers are positive about 2023,” Portas said. “But – and it’s a big but – the government has to support them.”

Almost half (43%) of independent retailers are hopeful for a successful 2023 and are expecting their revenues and profits to increase next year. Meanwhile, 21% are planning on further investment in the future, and 68% believe that 2023 will be the year of the “15-minute city” believing it to be the future of independent retail in Britain.

Portas added: “The closure of independent retailers would have huge consequences for the communities who depend on these shops – and the social infrastructure they provide. Because shops are about so much more than what is sold.”

With the chancellor set to make his financial statement on 17 November, retailers are united in their call for support.

Over half (55%) say the government should introduce a Covid-style VAT or business rate cut, while a further 53% believe the government should launch a loan scheme to enable independent retailers to tide themselves over during the current difficult periods.

Ankorstore UK general manager, Tarun Gidoomal said: “Retailers can survive and thrive beyond difficult times and often, crisis presents an opportunity to innovate.

“What is clear from our research is that the most successful independent retailers are embracing new technologies or doubling down on customer service.

“Consumers want to support independent retailers and I’m in no doubt that they will do that this winter.

“However, we know our retailers always need to have one eye on the future and the sector is still in need of government support to get them through this crisis, so they can grow their businesses in 2023 and continue to differentiate themselves from big box retailers.”

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