BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The related overheads of setting up in and near London have not managed to put off a number of manufacturers working in the trade, such as Brompton, Sugru and Cyclehoop, among others.
The latter sees its London location as intrinsic to the brand. “London inspired Cyclehoop,” founder Anthony Lau tells BikeBiz. “I trained in London at the Bartlett School of Architecture and had a bike stolen, which led to me designing the first Cyclehoop.”
Cyclehoop designs and produces innovative indoor and outdoor cycle parking infrastructure. Since the company set up in 2008, Lau has been keen to work with local suppliers, sourcing materials from Kent and working with fabricators based in the South East.
“Since we started we’ve seen a real change in London. The increase in numbers – in commuters particular – has been really inspiring. There’s lots of new infrastructure too.
“We design a lot of products for the London Boroughs and they tend to come to us, the Lambeth Bikehanger is a good example.
“When you design something for the local government is has to work! Our products are tested in London, so they’re robust.
“We’re trying to grow exports. They are at ten per cent at the moment. We go out to Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway and Denmark. They appreciate the design. We’ve even started to get into New Zealand.”
Cyclehoop now employs 25 people and as well as working with the boroughs (over 40 councils across the UK) it also supplies to residential and business addresses.
“We are passionate about cycling here. Separate to Cyclehoop, we created I Bike London to promote and celebrate cycling in London, organising free and fun rides and bike parties.”
Find out more at www.ibikelondon.com
