In summer 2002, the Association of Cycle Traders carried out an HSBC-sponsored member survey. A selection of the results are included here, and on the BikeBiz.co.uk stats section, but for 2003 the ACT wants to send out a survey to all UK IBDs.

ACT seeks industry sponsor for 2003 census of all IBDs

Here are some of the results of the 2002 survey of ACT members.

* There is a 60:40 split in partnership/shared ownership businesses versus sole proprietors.

• ACT members have, on average, 1.26 store locations, with 15% of each store given over to workshop/repairs

* 46% of ACT member stores are in city/town centre locations. 40% are in suburban locations and 14% are in rural locations.

* ACT members cater to: 30.8% enthusiast customers; 34.5% junior/family customers and 34.7% commuting/utility customers. The enthusiast customers are made up of road (35%), MTB (42%) and BMX (23%).

* 30.5% of ACT members provide a cycle hire service.

* ACT members employ an average of 4 staff per outlet of which 15% are female.

* 40% of ACT members are sole traders; 37% are in partnerships; 23% are limited companies.

* ACT members buy from an average of 5.5 suppliers (bikes) and 12.1 suppliers (P&A).

* 16.4% of ACT members says they buy to a "fixed stocking plan." 83.6% say they buy stock "as and when needed."

* The average ACT members has a turnover of £338 500, made up of 43% cycle sales, 36% accessory sales, 17% workshop income and 4% hire income.

* Only 25% of ACT members have an EPoS system.

* 72.5% of ACT members said they had a shop website, but only 22% of ACT members sell from websites.

* 55.5% of ACT members said they had in-store internet access. 81.5 percent of members said they had internet access at home.

* 70% percent of ACT members do not send direct mail to their customers.

In other news...

Majority of people want to shift funding from driving to improve walking, cycling, and public transport

A new report by Sustrans has found that the majority of people want to shift …