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19 Mar 2026

This one's sobering: 42% of small businesses reported a cyber breach in 2024, according to the National Cyber Security Centre. And it's not just massive corporations being targeted. It's small,...

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a...

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow...

17 Mar 2026

Walking, wheeling and cycling across the Liverpool City Region are saving the NHS £53.8 million every year, according to the latest Walking and Cycling Index, with cycling playing a key...

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and...

6 Mar 2026

The Metropolitan Police have seized more than 50 illegal e-bikes during a two-day crackdown in London as part of a wider effort to tackle crime linked to illegally modified electric bikes.

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy...

4 Mar 2026

The UK cycle industry were brought together at COREbike 2026, with retailers, distributors and industry partners gathering for several days of meetings, networking and product showcases.

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local...

26 Feb 2026

Here's one that often surprises people: professional indemnity insurance. It's not just for lawyers and accountants. Joanna Evans, Head of Bikmo for Business, explains in the next installment of...

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Re-Accreditation of Torq Zone Academy: Meeting QCTO Standards for Excellence

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

CytechTorq Zone Academy, Cytech's training provider and a leading institution of vocational training in South Africa, has been re-accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), for another five years, to offer the National Qualification Framework (NQF) registered bicycle mechanic qualifications and part-qualifications. This significant accomplishment underscores the commitment of the Academy to upholding the highest standards of education and training in the industry.

The QCTO, mandated by legislation, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the quality of vocational and trade education and training in South Africa. Institutions seeking accreditation or re-accreditation must undergo a thorough assessment of their programs, facilities, trainer qualifications, and overall adherence to QCTO guidelines.

“The re-accreditation process with the QCTO is a rigorous evaluation that ensures institutions maintain quality education, meet industry standards, and deliver relevant and updated curricula” says the MD, Graeme Stickells. “The successful re-accreditation of Torq Zone Academy speaks volumes about our dedication to providing top-notch training programs aligned with industry needs and regulatory requirements”.

Torq Zone Academy QCTO“The re-accreditation would not have been possible without the continued affiliation and support of Cytech” Graeme is quick to point out. “We have been offering the Cytech technical programme in South Africa for over nine years now as a dual certification. When we developed the NQF registered bicycle mechanic qualification and part-qualifications the Cytech technical programme was used as frame on which to add the componentry” he sniggers using bicycle analogy.

“Furthermore, this re-accreditation reaffirms the commitment of the Academy to continuous improvement. Torq Zone Academy remains proactive in adapting its programs to meet evolving industry trends, ensuring that learners remain competitive and capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing landscape. We intend to continue adding value to not only the South African industry but the broader Cytech community of expert practitioners as well” adds Graeme in closing.

In conclusion, Torq Zone Academy's successful re-accreditation with the QCTO underscores its commitment to quality education, industry relevance, and student success. As it continues to uphold these high standards, the academy remains a beacon of excellence in the realm of vocational training for the bicycle sector.

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