Reason for Investment

Your Bike Repair (previously GC Bike Repairs), the local cycling service that has grown from a humble garage operation into a trusted name in the industry, is on the brink of a new chapter. The company, founded by Graham & Tony Childs is seeking a significant investment to fuel its next phase of growth. This exciting development is poised to enhance the company’s capabilities, expand its services, and help it meet the growing demands of the cycling community.

The Growing Need for Expansion

Since its inception in 2020, Your Bike Repair has built a reputation for providing exceptional, personalized service to cyclists of all levels. What began as a one-man operation in Graham’s garage has evolved into a bustling bike repair business with a loyal customer base. However, the increasing demand for quality bike repair services, coupled with the rise of e-bikes and more sophisticated cycling technologies, has led to the need for further investment.

“We’ve reached a point where the demand for our services has outgrown what we’re able to handle with our current resources,” Tony explains. “We’re getting more and more customers, with more detailed needs and we want to make sure we continue to deliver the same high-quality service and personal touch that has made us successful. The investment will allow us to expand our capacity and offer even more to our customers.”

Why the Investment Matters

The investment will primarily be used to expand the shop's facilities and locations, hire more skilled technicians, and improve the overall customer experience. With more bikes on the road than ever before and technological advancements in cycling, including electric bikes and high-performance models, there is a growing need for specialised knowledge and equipment. The influx of investment will allow Your Bike Repair to keep up with this trend.

Key Areas of Investment

1. Expansion of Facilities
   Currently operating out of a single location, Your Bike Repair plans to invest in a larger shop space to accommodate the increased volume of bikes in for repairs, maintenance, and custom builds. A more spacious facility will not only make for a more efficient workflow but will also allow for an improved customer experience, with more comfortable waiting areas and expanded retail offerings.

2. Upgraded Equipment & Technology
   As the cycling industry continues to innovate, Your Bike Repair will invest in state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic tools. This will enable the team to work on the latest bike technologies, including electric bikes (e-bikes), high-end racing bikes, and custom builds that require specialised tools and expertise. The new investment will help ensure that Your Bike Repair remains at the forefront of the industry.

3. Hiring Skilled Technicians
   To maintain the quality of service Your Bike Repair is known for, the business plans to expand its team by bringing in additional skilled technicians. These experts will be trained in a variety of bike repair areas, including complex diagnostics, wheel building, and suspension tuning. With more technicians on staff, the company will be able to offer faster turnarounds, reducing wait times for customers.

4. Improved Customer Experience
   Investment will also be directed toward enhancing the customer experience. Whether it’s through an upgraded website for easier booking and customer support, or the addition of a loyalty program and new services like home delivery or pick-up for repairs, Your Bike Repair is focused on creating a more seamless and enjoyable experience for every customer.

5. Community Engagement & Marketing
   Your Bike Repair plans to increase its presence in the local cycling community and beyond, using part of the investment for outreach and marketing. This will include hosting cycling events, sponsoring local races, and building relationships with cycling clubs. Additionally, the company will strengthen its online presence, making it easier for customers to find and engage with their services.

Why Now?

The decision to seek investment at this stage is the result of years of hard work and careful planning. Tony has always been cautious about expanding too quickly, but the time feels right. “We’ve spent the last few years building a strong foundation, and now we’re ready to take it to the next level,” he says. “Whilst it has had its challenges in recent years - overall the cycling industry and the use of cycles is growing, and there’s a real opportunity for us to not only increase our service offerings but also solidify our place as the go-to repair and servicing destination for cyclists.”

With cycling booming in popularity, particularly post-pandemic, more people are rediscovering the joy of riding, and the market for bike repairs and maintenance continues to expand. E-bikes, in particular, are on the rise, requiring a new set of skills and expertise. The investment will allow Your Bike Repair to capitalise on this trend, offering specialised services for e-bike owners and continuing to grow its loyal customer base.

Looking Ahead

For Tony and his team, this investment represents more than just an influx of capital—it’s a chance to continue their mission of helping cyclists of all levels enjoy their rides to the fullest. By expanding their services and infrastructure, Your Bike Repair will not only improve the customer experience but also continue to support the cycling community in ways that go beyond bike repairs.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a part of the local cycling community,” Garry says. “With this investment, we’ll be able to do even more for our customers and make sure we’re meeting their needs, whether that’s through faster service, more knowledgeable technicians, or offering the latest bike technologies. It’s an exciting time, and we’re really looking forward to what comes next.”

Conclusion

The investment in Your Bike Repair marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. As the cycling world continues to evolve, Your Bike Repair is poised to grow alongside it, offering top-tier service and cutting-edge technology. With an expanded facility, a stronger team, and a focus on improving the customer experience, Your Bike Repair is gearing up to pedal into a future filled with opportunity and success.

As the business rides toward its next stage of growth, it’s clear that this investment is just the beginning of an even brighter future for Your Bike Repair and the cycling community it serves.