Bike business to beat business cycle

More than 100 new jobs are to be created by a bicycle co-operative.

The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative said it will double in size by 2017, with a new five-year development plan.

Last year, the company sold 20,000 bikes from six stores and online, with a turnover of £11.5 million, and employed more than 160 staff. It hopes to increase turnover to £20m by 2017, and increase staffing to nearly 300. Managing director Jeremy Miles said: “The bicycle business is characterised by very large players at the volume end with many owner-managed businesses servicing local markets.

“Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative has a very distinct profile in the market where we focus on customer service and our brand personality. Underpinning the brand is the co-operative structure and values – a key asset that will drive our five-year expansion.”