Local Bike Shop Week Awards: Meet the Judges
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The Local Bike Shop Week Awards form part of the wider celebration of Local Bike Shop Week, an industry-wide initiative dedicated to recognising the vital role independent bike shops play in communities across the UK. Taking place alongside a week of activity that highlights the expertise, passion and personalised service these retailers provide, the awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that go above and beyond for their customers and local areas.
From supporting new riders and championing active travel to hosting events and keeping communities moving, the awards celebrate the full breadth of what local bike shops contribute to the cycling industry and the high street. From our many brilliant entries down to 8 finalists, the judging panel will be evaluating and championing independent bike shops up and down the country that make an impact in their community.
Here are the judges who will be assessing this year’s entries and helping to recognise the standout shops making a difference across the UK.
Meet the Judges
Jon HarkerEditor of Cycling Industry NewsJon has been a prominent voice in the cycling industry since 2008, building a reputation for insightful coverage across distribution deals, product launches, trade shows, and in-depth interviews with key industry figures. With years of experience observing the sector from multiple angles, he brings a deep understanding of both its commercial and cultural landscape. Alongside his writing, Jon is a committed cycle commuter, well acquainted with the realities of everyday riding—often navigating train platforms with a folding bike in tow across Hertfordshire. This blend of industry knowledge and real-world cycling experience makes Jon a valuable judge for the Local Bike Shop Week Awards. His long-standing engagement with independent retail, including delivering talks on the subject, gives him a clear appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing local bike shops. Jon is well placed to recognise businesses that not only succeed commercially, but also serve as vital hubs within their communities. |
Lauren JenkinsEditor of BikeBizLauren is Editor of BikeBiz, bringing over a decade of experience across the cycling industry. She began her journey while studying journalism, discovering a passion for mountain biking that quickly became both a career and a lifestyle, shaping both her professional path and personal interests. Her early break came with work experience at Dirt Magazine, where she developed her voice and industry insight. Since then, Lauren has worked across journalism, PR, and marketing, collaborating with leading brands and professionals, and building a well-rounded perspective on the sector. With a strong belief that local bike shops are the backbone of cycling, Lauren brings valuable insight to judging the Local Bike Shop Week Awards. Her broad industry experience, combined with a genuine appreciation for the role shops play in communities, means she is well placed to recognise excellence, innovation, and impact across the UK. |
Andrew GoodacreCEO of BiraAndrew Goodacre has devoted his career to supporting independent retailers and strengthening the high streets and communities they serve. His work focuses on ensuring the needs of small businesses are clearly heard by government decision-makers, while championing the vital role independent retail plays in local economies. With a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, he has consistently worked to help businesses adapt and thrive in an evolving commercial landscape. His extensive experience representing retailers at a national level makes him a strong addition to the judging panel for the Local Bike Shop Week Awards. Through his roles on the Department for Business Retail Sector Council, the British Retail Consortium Policy Board, and the Welsh Retail Council, Andrew brings a broad and strategic perspective. He is well placed to recognise bike shops that demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a meaningful contribution to their local communities. |
Following the judges stage, the final stage of a public vote will run from Friday 24th April to Thursday 30th April, with winners announced on Friday 1st May, ahead of Local Bike Shop Week which runs from 3rd to 9th May.