Member Article

Manchester startup CycleManchester opens cafe and retail business in Altrincham with £19k loan

Manchester-based startup CycleManchester has opened its doors in Stamford House in Altrincham after receiving a £19k loan from Start Up Now, the North West arm of the government’s national £150 million Start Up Loans programme.

CycleManchester brings together Velo Espresso, an artisan coffee shop, with a cycle boutique and a full ecommerce website selling a wide range of cycle related products, from sports nutrition to clothing.

Run by Neil Lee and Marie Lee, the new venture is dedicated to celebrating the history, success and importance of cycling in Greater Manchester, home to the world’s greatest track cycling team and world-class facilities like the Velodrome.

Neil has used the Start Up Now loan to invest in a number of new plans to develop the Velo Espresso venue as a hub for cycling enthusiasts across the region.

Neil said: “There was an 88% rise in people commuting by bike in Manchester last year and this seems set to increase even further.

“Getting the Start Up Loan has meant that we have the infrastructure in place to meet a growing demand and grow CycleManchester and Velo Espresso as a destination where cyclists and non-cyclists alike can relax over a coffee, enjoy a healthy lunch, find out about cycling events locally or just chill and watch one of the classic races to be shown on TV this year.

“We will very much be guided by our customers and plan to put CycleManchester at the heart of the cycling community.

“We will be holding evening events, which we hope will engage cyclists at all levels, from basic cycling maintenance to cycle nutrition.”

Director of Business Finance Solutions, Paul Breen, said: “Cycling has become a way of life for millions of people in the UK over the past few years and CycleManchester has used the Start Up Now loan to effectivley tap into that growing trend.

“Neil and Marie are building not just a business, but a real community by offering an interesting concept to your local coffee shop and it is already a company that stands out and has huge potential to grow and expand.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .