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Rutland Cycling has won the 2018 Family Business Award for Retail Excellence in the 2018 Midlands Family Business Awards.
Director Sally Middlemiss said: “This year has seen some challenging times for the bike industry, so it is particularly gratifying to win this award, as we continue to grow and deliver our vision of inspiring more people to own and ride a bike.
“This vision hasn’t changed since my father founded Rutland Cycling in 1981 and we firmly believe that it’s our strong family values that have set us apart and help us grow.
“Most importantly, it’s the work that we all do every day, going the extra mile to deliver great customer service, which makes us excellent retailers.
“We believe passionately that to get more people making cycling part of their lives, you’ve got to make it convenient and easy.
“So, in our Rutland Cycling stores, you can hire a bike or e-bike, get your own bike repaired seven days a week, borrow a courtesy bike while your bike is serviced, and pick up cycle clothing, spares and accessories.
“You’ve also got to lead by example and inspire new cyclists to give it a go, and so we also offer led rides, including women-only rides, and bike maintenance classes for all cyclists.
“In the end, it’s all about going the extra mile, both for our customers and each other. I’m hugely proud of ‘Team Rutland’, so it is wonderful to win this award in recognition of our work.”
Rutland Cycling was established in 1981 and is now a second-generation family business with 12 stores and a website.
Now in its ninth year, the not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards is backed and run by The Wilson Organisation.
Managing director Charlotte Perkins said: “The Awards are the Midlands’ only independent initiative to recognise the work, success, innovations and achievements of family businesses.
“Family businesses are the backbone of the British economy, with two in every three of UK businesses being family owned.
“They generate over a quarter of UK GDP and employ around 12.2 million. Our Awards strive to shine a light on this incredible contribution, and the great work, innovation and successes of family businesses and their people here in the Midlands.”
