2014 will be Cyclescheme’s ‘year of the independent bike dealer’

Last week, during Cyclescheme’s fourth supplier brand conference, the UK’s largest cycle to work provider announced 2014 is to be its ‘year of the independent bike dealer’.

Delegates from key cycle brands, together with representatives from the Bicycle Association of GB and British Cycling, gathered in Bath for the supplier conference to take a look back at the cycle commuting market in 2013 and to hear Cyclescheme’s vision for 2014.

Group discussions, led by Phillip Darnton OBE, took place involving key members of the Cyclescheme team in a bid to inspire ideas, debate and to get everyone talking openly about the cycling market as a whole.

Cyclescheme said: "The agenda for the day highlighted out plans to unify the market, working closely with key trade partners and industry organisations, to further precipitate cycle commuting in the UK for the mutual benefit for all stakeholders."

The company unveiled its retailer plan for 2014 to support the independent retailers in a number of ways:

• The creation of a B2B web portal giving retailers access to their local employers, store profiles and better access to Point of Sale (POS) material.
• The introduction of the Cyclescheme Academy, which will inform and empower retail staff to the commercial opportunity that exists through Cyclescheme. Participating retailers will receive an accreditation.
• By launching the Equipment Only proposition to open the market to those who already have a bike with Cyclescheme but would like their employer to invest in safety equipment such as lights, helmets, high visibility kit and clothing through the cycle to work scheme.
• Cyclescheme’s Retail & Events Team will visit more retailers and offer training, advice and POS to encourage and facilitate feedback.
• Extended programme of retailer conferences in 2014 focused on sharing strategy and gaining feedback.
• Enhanced BikeMiles integration for Retailers enabling them to easily add their own store-specific offers and promotions.

Cyclescheme director Daniel Gillborn said: “The Brand Conference is an essential date in our diary and enables us to work closely with the brands, gain valuable feedback and helps form our vision going forward for both them and our Retailers. The theme for 2014 is very much centred around, ‘prepare, lead and unify’ – an idea that sees us working more closely than ever with the industry for the greater good of our market place.”

Attending brand representatives also commented:

UK general manager of Scott Sports Steve Carter said: “Thanks to Cyclescheme, it’s one of the few times that key players in the industry get together to collectively look at ways to drive growth in cycling, a very well organised day that will have a positive impact for cycling in the UK.”

Trek UK GM Nigel Roberts commented: "The conference was an informative day and good to get people there into a number of positive discussions about how we can jointly develop cycle commuting in the IBD market."

Marketing manager for i-ride Tom Marchment said: "The Brand Conference is a very important, well organised event and working with the great team at Cyclescheme enables us to plan for the future in this hugely influential sector."