London 2012 cycle parking winning gold overseas

A South London company who created pop-up cycle parking for thousands of Olympic spectators have increased international orders by two thirds this year.

Thanks to help from the UK Trade & Investment London, Cyclehoop are selling their innovative cycle parking products to some of the world’s biggest cycling cities.

Architect Anthony Lau set up the Forest Hill based firm after designing the company’s original product ‘Cyclehoop’ in 2008. Four years on, bike parking design experts are selling over 15 products designed and made in Britain in over 10 countries.

Anthony said:

“The Olympics proved that people not only cycle for leisure and work, they also want to cycle to events and other activities. We were asked to build over 6000 bicycle spaces in secure manned cycle parks around London for visitors to the games venues.

“Apart from our temporary cycle parks, we have developed a range of simple and elegant products that help improve cycle infrastructure, reduce bike theft and street clutter.

“Cities and towns across the world are planning with cyclists in mind and we wanted to reach this market, which is why we contacted UKTI.

“We were put on the Passport to Export programme and worked with a UKTI International Trade Adviser, Mel Langton, who has been an important part of our growth. His commercial experience and hands-on approach was extremely helpful to our business.

“UKTI also funded our visits to international trade shows and we have been able to attend the Velocity trade show for the last four years which has helped generate £200,000 in business.

“This year we’ve had a huge boost with a deal in Vancouver - one of the most bike friendly cities in North America, who will be trialling our British designed and made cycle parking solution.

Cyclehoop Ltd expect a record turnover of £1.3m this year. The UKTI programme that helped them succeed overseas is available to companies of all sizes and is designed as a first step towards exporting. Passport to Export is extremely popular with small and medium-sized companies.

Parveen Thornhill, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment London said:

“Passport to Export is the first stage of help from UK Trade & Investment for companies that have never exported before. It gives access to financial support and helps meet the costs of some overseas activity, including supporting visits to prospective new clients.

“Following the Olympics there is enormous power in Brand Britain, home-grown British products are really impressing international buyers. It is fantastic that international cities are using a British designed and made product.

“Cyclehoop have gained confidence and become even more innovative when they export and this has benefited their home sales too. Their London 2012 contract meant they took on an extra 32 staff during the Olympics – a huge boost.

Contacts

To find out more about Passport to Export or any other exporting queries call UKTI London on +44 (0)207 234 3050 or email export@uktilondon.org.uk.

Information about the range of support services from UKTI is available through your local UKTI office