A Warwickshire bicycle manufacturer is expanding thanks to a growing trend of overseas customers wanting to ‘buy British’.
Pashley Cycles, which is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and is nearly 90 years old, is set to increase its team from 50 to 60 over the next two years thanks a rise in orders – especially from abroad.
The firm has already increased its manufacturing capability by investing in new machinery and expanding into a unit adjacent to its current premises in Masons Road.
Pashley Cycles, which makes a range of bikes for both individuals and industry, has been supported in its growth by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The company, which makes around 10,000 bikes a year, is now exporting to 50 countries worldwide and is being assisted with further overseas sales – again by the Chamber, this time through its UKTI international trade team.
Managing director Adrian Williams said: “We are growing and it’s a real success story for manufacturing in this area and, indeed, in the UK.
“There was a move around 20 years ago for some British companies to start making their products overseas in, say, China or India.
“We stuck to our traditions because Pashley bicycles have always been made here and the irony is that consumers in those countries now want to buy into that heritage.
“They are not just buying a great bicycle that’s hand-built here in the UK, they are buying into the history of the company.”
As well as selling bikes to individuals around the world, they are also known for being utilised as delivery vehicles for everyone from postal delivery workers to ice-cream vendors and as the famous ‘Hovis’ bicycle.
Adrian added: “We are expanding the team and our markets but we still see great opportunities to grow even further and the support from the Chamber has been a great help.
“When it comes to overseas trade, we’ve had grant support to attend trade shows but, actually, having an expert at the end of the phone who knows the market place we are trying to break into has been extremely useful.”
Karen Heap, of the Chamber, said the success story at Pashley Cycles highlighted the benefits of seeking support.
She said: “It is a great story for manufacturing in Warwickshire, the West Midlands and the country and we are delighted that we have been able to support them along the way.
“There is help out there for businesses – whether it’s investing in machinery or exporting overseas – and we’d urge companies of all sizes and sectors to contact the Chamber to find out how we can support their plans for growth.”
