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16 Jan 2024

ACT Gold Member ICE Trikes has announced a new partnership announcement with British Cycling’s Limitless disability and para-cycling programme. This partnership will help to support the...

15 Jan 2024

An interesting article has appeared in Forbes reflecting many of the issues that ACT members will be experiencing – the challenges and opportunities that are currently...

3 Jan 2024

For our latest retailer spotlight, we spoke with Steven Grimwood from the brilliant Elmy Cycles in Ipswich, who has been working in the cycle trade since he was 14 years old

3 Jan 2024

A new year means new challenges – but also new opportunities for cycle traders too and planning now so you can gain a competitive advantage and thrive in the warmer months will be key to...

20 Dec 2023

The ACT office will be open as usual (9am-5pm) for the majority of the Christmas period, with some exceptions.

11 Dec 2023

ACT member On The Brakes in Leigh on Sea, Essex is celebrating after being named independent business of the year in a local competition set up by a local MP to celebrate the “incredible...

11 Dec 2023

Bike Europe has reported that “serious concerns” remain about the enforcement of a ban on the sale of e-bike chargers and conversion kits by one of the largest online sellers,...

14 Nov 2023

ACT member and Cytech-accredited Stonehaven shop Bike Remedy has been given permission to expand its offering by building a bike shelter and tool station outside its premises.

14 Nov 2023

Cytech Training Scotland, proudly operated by Bike for Good, is thrilled to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements in providing top-notch Cytech bicycle maintenance training. Over the past...

14 Nov 2023

The ACT is urging any cycling retailers affected by technical issues being reported with the 'buy now, pay later' app Klarna to consider whether they may be better served by switching to an...

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Essex cycle shop On The Brakes named local independent business of the year

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

ACT member On The Brakes in Leigh on Sea, Essex is celebrating after being named independent business of the year in a local competition set up by a local MP to celebrate the “incredible variety of small businesses” in her constituency.

OTB Van

Nominators said the shop, owned by Matt Johnson, provides “unparalleled services” to the cycling community, was praised for their generosity in service, free training and education in bike service, as well as their commitment to “making cycling affordable”.

Matt told the Southend Echo: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received the award. I have a fantastic client base, and the support from the cycling community and my family has been almost overwhelming. I love giving back to the community when I can, and while starting a small business can be stressful, the support has been incredible.”

The award, which has seen several weeks of voters submitting their choices for the title, has been very popular throughout the community.

On The Brakes provides “outstanding service”, which specialises in bicycle maintenance and custom builds. They also offer free training and education in bicycle repairs and was described as “having a wonderful attitude”, and a “hub of community knowledge”.

Anna Firth MP said: “I am absolutely delighted to award On the Brakes my Independent Shop of the Year award.

“The nominations were absolutely glowing. It has been a fantastic competition, and I have loved seeing all the nominees come flooding in. Southend is so lucky to have so many incredible independent shops, and there has been some staunch competition for the title. On the Brakes is an amazing initiative, and it is fantastic to present them with this title.”

One person who nominated On the Brakes said it is the “epitome of an independent shop deserving of the independent shop of the year award”.

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