Cycle co-operative aims to put pedal power into city

EDINBURGH Bicycle Co-operative has announced plans for ambitious growth and significant investment in its Manchester store.

The company, which also has outlets in Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield, and a turnover of just under £12m is aiming to add to its 17 staff at the outlet in Wilmslow Road opposite Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery.

In order to achieve this growth, the co-operative says it aims to increase its investments in marketing and staffing for the Manchester store by 30% and 25% respectively by 2020.

The branch, which was opened in 2007 in the heart of the home of co-operatives, and at the time was the company’s largest nationwide, covers 7,000 sq ft of retail space, and offers specialist cycling equipment, repair services, workshops, talks with prolific cyclists from the North West and more.

There are now 120 staff employed across  all its stores.

The company also has a small sub-branch on Piccadilly Plaza in the HUB bike parking facility, which was launched in November 2012.

The store, managed by Alex Amato, also expects to see an increase in revenue for its Manchester interests as a result of the Oxford Road Corridor development, which will see the creation of Dutch-style cycle lanes.

Alan Nestor, deputy managing director at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, said: “Greater Manchester has a vibrant, established cycling culture which we proud to be a part of and are excited to be involved in aiding the growth of.
 
“Manchester is a city under development where cycling is concerned, and we are proud to be at the heart of that, working with Transport for Greater Manchester to improve and increase the culture of cycling in the city.”