BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The two young execs (er, young in comparison to the average member) have been getting more and more involved with the BAGB in recent months and their election to Council was expected.
Here’s the BA’s report:
ICC 2002 delivers profit
66 exhibitors, attracting 1300 visitors from 646 businesses generated over £30,000 of profit to help fund the cycle promotion work of the Association.
State of the Market
After a several months of growth, members have reported a sharp ‘correction’ in June with sales for the month expected to be between 10% and 15% lower than last year. The slowdown appears to have started at the end of May, and is affecting all regions. However the members remain hopeful that sustained good weather over the next few weeks will stimulate a quick sales recovery.
All sectors continue to suffer pressure on margins as average selling prices continue to fall. However inventory levels are generally low and provided there is a sales recovery in the next few weeks we do not expect current sales reductions to force any distress clearance of overstocks.
Imports and Exports
Total imports of bicycles and frames increased by 27% for the period January to March 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. All of this increase is due to increase in the import of frames suggesting that domestic assembly is continuing to gain share at the expense of the imports of complete bicycles. Exports for the period were higher than last year (48,000 vs 41,000 units).
The average cost of imported bicycles continues to decline.
Council Elections
Ian Beasant of Giant and Russell Merry of Hot Wheels have been elected to the Council of the BA.
The full council is
MR. P.BARKER (PRESIDENT) MADISON CYCLES
MR. H.STEWART (VICE PRESIDENT) WELDTITE PRODUCTS
MR. E.ECCLESTON (DEPUTY PRESIDENT) IDEAL BICYCLE
MR. I.BEASANT GIANT UK
MR. M.BICKERTON CYCLEMOTION
MR. J.BROWN UTILITY CYCLE PRODUCTS
MR. P.DARNTON RALEIGH
MR. D.J.HENSTONE MOORE LARGE & CO.LTD
MISS S.MARKSCHEFFEL UNIVERSAL CYCLES PLC
MR. R.MERRY HOT WHEELS
MR. J.A.F.MOORE MOORE LARGE & CO.LTD
MR. M.D.O’CONNOR ADCAL LABELS LTD
MR. R.STANFORTH SARACEN CYCLES
MR. P.TAYLOR BOHLE (UK) LTD
MR. N.THAKE PCM
Reports
Various reports were discussed, including
National Cycle Strategy Board, National Bike Week, TAG (BA Technical group), COLIBI and CPAG. Copies are available from Pat Morris at the BA
The Dept for Transport is proposing to introduce new legislation to replace the Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations of 1984. The BA will be consulting its members and the ACT before formalising a response.
