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BBC News e-bike segment provokes negative reaction due to “factual inaccuracies”

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

9 Jul 2025, more…

Life Cycle launches Bikes Beyond Bars initiative at HMP Bullingdon

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

7 Jul 2025, more…

Bike mechanic shortage in Europe sparks Shimano to launch investigation

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

3 Jul 2025, more…

MPs urge crackdown as unsafe e-bikes and chargers found on Amazon and eBay

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

2 Jul 2025, more…

E-Bike Positive campaign gains national momentum amidst media coverage in 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

25 Jun 2025, more…

Cytech Training Returns to Darlington as Activate Cycle Academy Reopens Workshop

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

20 Jun 2025, more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.

18 Jun 2025, more…

Study warns forceful cycle advocacy risks hindering bike lane progress

A new academic study has found that overzealous pro-cycling campaigners on social media may be inadvertently damaging the case for better cycling infrastructure across the UK.

11 Jun 2025, more…

Young adults leading the UK’s surge in e-bike popularity – but increased education on battery safety crucial, new research reveals

 To coincide with Bike Week (9-15 June) – the UK’s annual celebration of cycling – new research has revealed a clear shift amongst Gen Z and Millennials in their approach...

9 Jun 2025, more…

ACT Director among judging panel announced for BikeBiz Awards 2025

The judges for the BikeBiz Awards 2025, in association with Bikedesk, have been officially announced, with ACT Director Jonathan Harrison among the leading voices from all corners of the cycling...

3 Jun 2025, more…

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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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