BikeBiz Awards 2011 winners: In their own words

Over 200 members of the UK bicycle industry gathered at the Hilton Metropole, NEC, to celebrate the prize winners.

Eleven winners took home the 13 awards on the night, in the most competitive cycle trade awards yet. How were those 78 finalists whittled down to the final winners? With the help of 79 judges from the trade (see the latest edition of BikeBiz for the full list of judges).

Electra Bicycles was Premium Partner for the 2011 BikeBiz Awards, with Koga Bicycles, Citrus- Lime and Cycle-SOS Event Partners. A prize draw on the night saw Rouleur’s Richard Bean handed a case of wine and a free digital marketing audit of the website, courtesy of Alienation Digital.

Commiserations to the finalists who missed out – some of the categories were very close indeed – and congratulations to the winners. Thanks to everyone who nominated, judged and took part and now let’s give the winners time to bask in their glory…

The winners:

Independent Retailer
Rutland Cycling

 “We are honoured to win this prestigious title for the second year running. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our suppliers. We endeavour to provide a friendly and informative shopping experience and are always aiming to improve. Maybe we’ll get the award in 2012!”
Steve Gill, Sales Director, Rutland Cycling

Online Retailer
Wiggle

“Everybody at Wiggle has worked tirelessly to improve our business and the way we serve our customers. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work the team has put in and eternally thankful to all those in the industry who voted us as number one online retailer…for the third time in a row.”
Thomas Dibley, Marketing Manager, Wiggle (award picked up by Jack Edwards, Accessories Buyer, Wiggle)

High Street Chain
Evans Cycles

"We’re delighted to have received the award for Best High Street Retailer. Our colleagues have worked hard over an uncertain summer providing a great level of service to our customers and helping more people than ever get on a bike.”
Peter Kimberley, Head of Retail, Evans Cycles

Retail Workshop
Evans Cycles

“Winning the best workshop award, as well as the High Street Chain award, is very exciting for us too, especially at a time when cyclists are holding onto their bikes for longer and upgrading rather than replacing.”
Peter Kimberley, Head of Retail, Evans Cycles

Retail Marketing Initiative
Bike Hub Smartphone App

“Last year the app was nominated so I expected to be bridesmaid again. It was a big surprise to beat so many other top candidates.The app is a team effort so I have to thank Cyclestreets, OpenStreetMap, OpenCycleMap, Tinderhouse and contributors to the Bike Hub levy.”
Carlton Reid, Executive Editor, BikeBiz

Rising Star
Cycle Systems Academy

“We are delighted with the prestigious award, particularly as the cycle trade itself votes for the winners. It is a huge milestone in the recognition of our training as industry standard and high quality. We encourage anyone in the trade interested in high quality training to contact us.”
Sean Lally, Director, Cycle Systems Academy

Consumer Print Media
Cycling Plus

"We’re delighted to have won the BikeBiz Award – it’s fantastic to know the bike industry is right behind Cycling Plus and has helped us become Britain’s best selling cycling magazine. Our plan is to keep improving and to build on the growth we’ve experienced in the past decade.”
Rob Spedding, Editor, Cycling Plus

Consumer Website
Road.cc

"We’ve been working really hard to build on all those things that helped us win our first award so to get it a second time capped what’s been another fantastic year for us, with big traffic growth and the amazing success of our Fantasy Cycling game. We won’t rest on our laurels.”
Tony Farrelly, Editor, Road.cc

For reaction from Madsion, CSG, Knog and Brompton, head here.