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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

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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...

28 Nov 2024

Independent retailers back call for local leadership and simplified funding.

26 Nov 2024

Seven in ten cycle retailers across the UK will boycott this year's Black Friday sales event, according to a survey of the bicycle trade by the ACT.

21 Nov 2024

A local cycling club is raising money and seeking donations and assistance in order to teach bike maintenance to young people through a series of workshops in 2025.

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Essex cycle shop On The Brakes named local independent business of the year

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

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 variety of small businesses” in her constituency.

OTB Van

Nominators said the shop, owned by Matt Johnson, provides “unparalleled services” to the cycling community, was praised for their generosity in service, free training and education in bike service, as well as their commitment to “making cycling affordable”.

Matt told the Southend Echo: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received the award. I have a fantastic client base, and the support from the cycling community and my family has been almost overwhelming. I love giving back to the community when I can, and while starting a small business can be stressful, the support has been incredible.”

The award, which has seen several weeks of voters submitting their choices for the title, has been very popular throughout the community.

On The Brakes provides “outstanding service”, which specialises in bicycle maintenance and custom builds. They also offer free training and education in bicycle repairs and was described as “having a wonderful attitude”, and a “hub of community knowledge”.

Anna Firth MP said: “I am absolutely delighted to award On the Brakes my Independent Shop of the Year award.

“The nominations were absolutely glowing. It has been a fantastic competition, and I have loved seeing all the nominees come flooding in. Southend is so lucky to have so many incredible independent shops, and there has been some staunch competition for the title. On the Brakes is an amazing initiative, and it is fantastic to present them with this title.”

One person who nominated On the Brakes said it is the “epitome of an independent shop deserving of the independent shop of the year award”.

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