Cycle Shop Venture Proves Start-up Success
A thriving cycle shop in Thirsk has changed up a gear after receiving funding from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
Founded by Iaen Bell in May 2014, Venture Cycles offers a wide range of bikes and cycling equipment as well as bicycle servicing and a custom bike building service.
Iaen had worked for a bespoke staircase manufacturer for over 18 years before taking the plunge into opening his own business.
“I’ve been cycling for the majority of my life and had always dreamed of opening my own cycle shop” said Iaen.
BEF’s funding was delivered through the Governments Start Up Loans programme which is designed to assist young and emerging businesses like Venture Cycles.
“The shop needed a lot of work to complete it so I used my own savings to get it just right. I then used BEF’s funding to help fill it with stock.”
2 years on and Iaen has launched a website to help promote Venture Cycles to the cycling community - which over the last 10 years has grown by more than 12%.
Venture Cycles has proved itself as the perfect career change for Iaen.
“I love it when people approach me to build a bike for them, as I then get to be creative” said Iaen.
It’s never too late to fly the corporate nest and begin your own business. Find out how BEF can help today!
~ENDS~
Since 2004 Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) have assisted small and medium sized businesses in the North East and Yorkshire that are unable to get reasonable finance elsewhere. BEF work from pre-start to established businesses, for any business type including retail and sole traders.
As a delivery partner for the Start Up Loans Company BEF help new and young businesses get off to a good start with finance and business support. BEF also lend up to £50,000 unsecured and from £50,000 to £150,000 secured from their own loan fund.