BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Founded in 2001, Paligap, began life with just 4 members of staff and two brands working from what company owner Dave Lane describes as “a broom cupboard in Avonmouth”.
On its launch, Paligap distributed Kona and CycleOps to the UK. It then quickly grew to bring on Ritchey Logic, Saris and PowerTap and to expand staff to include three sales reps with credit and stock control staff alongside.
The company expanded again in 2010, moving from Avonmouth to a new site in Yate and bringing on Cipollini bikes, DMT shoes and FFWD wheels. Even further growth came in 2014 with the introduction of Alé clothing and Marin bikes in 2014. Now in its 15th year, Paligap now distributes 18 brands and employs 30 people, many of whom have been involved since the distributor’s early days.
The last 12 months have seen some big changes but significant growth for the business. Paligap restructured in 2015 to strengthen its brand team, creating Brand Managers to look after the company’s portfolio. It then recruited new staff in Marketing and Sales and invested in a new fleet of vehicles and a brand new stock control system. Adding to that growth is the introduction of new demo fleets for Cipollini and Marin and the creation of two Paligap owned race teams, the Marin Stans Racing team and the Cipollini / DMT / Alé team.
2016 and 2017 will be big years for Paligap explains Lane “we’re excited to be entering our 15th year and for the next 15 after that. The UK bike industry is in uncertain times but we’ve invested massively in our business, in our facilities and in our staff so that we’re stronger than ever for the future.
We’re looking forward to growing our many excellent brands and I’m extremely excited to see our top-sellers Marin, Stans No Tubes, Alé and Saris continue to grow with us. Thanks to all of our excellent staff, suppliers and customers for 15 great years. Here’s to another 15!”.
You can visit Paligap’s website at Paligap.cc.
