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20 May 2024

Cycling UK has launched the Inclusive Cycling Experience, a new programme funded by the Motability Foundation, to support disabled communities in Greater Manchester and Inverness to start...

20 May 2024

ACT member Mapes of Millport, a bike shop on Cumbrae, an island in the lower Firth of Clyde in western Scotland, is riding high after being selected as the best cycle hire shop in...

20 May 2024

People who cycle to work are less likely to be prescribed drugs to treat anxiety or depression than those who commute using different modes of transport, new research shows.

20 May 2024

The cycling industry may have experienced one of its most turbulent periods in recent history, but it still represents a great opportunity for investment, according to a report...

20 May 2024

The Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index, the biggest UK survey of walking, wheeling and cycling, found only 40% of residents on low incomes had access to a cycle. This compared to 59% in...

9 May 2024

John Lewis, the UK’s largest department store, will stock the UK’s leading e-bike brand, VOLT from today. The retailer will have four models from VOLT’s award-winning range of...

8 May 2024

Hundreds of independent bike shops around the country got involved with this year’s Local Bike Shop Day, according to organisers, the Association of Cycle Traders

8 May 2024

UK consumer confidence improved by two points in April, new data has shown, as optimism about personal finances for the coming year remained stable.

8 May 2024

More than 400 children and adults have cycled through Brighton and Hove to ask for the streets to be made safe for cycling with a network of separated cycle lanes.

7 May 2024

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has criticised the UK government for a “shocking lack of progress in making streets more attractive for walking, wheeling and...

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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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