Bike Repair Entrepreneur Wins Sheffield Business Competition

SHEFFIELD, U.K. - May 23, 2013 - PRLog -- This year, a bike repair centre in Sheffield was the business that walked away with the coveted £2,000 prize money, after winning ‘Best Start Up’ in a significant local business competition.

The annual competition, which took place on the 8th May and was sponsored by Santander and Creative Sheffield, is run by University of Sheffield Enterprise (USE).

Bike Rehab owner Alex Gunn, 27, of Bates St, wowed judges at the Enterprising Ideas Business Planning Competition, winning the Business Startup category with his forward thinking, innovative business plan.

“Winning this award, just before Bike Rehab’s first anniversary”, Alex claimed, after receiving the impressive award, “shows I have a sustainable business model and we can plan for the next step, which is taking on local people.”

Indeed, if more evidence is needed that the young entrepreneur has a successful business model, then it can also be noted that Alex recently hired his first employee and has further plans to expand the business. “The recognition has been wonderful,” Alex acknowledges, “And the money will be hugely helpful in enabling me to buy new tools and expand my workshop to accommodate a local apprentice”

Steve Bell, Head of Corporate Finance at Hart Shaw in Sheffield and judge of the competition said:  “Alex is able to show a clear strategy. He understands his market but also has identified what differentiates his business from his competition."

Samantha Deakin, Marketing Coordinator at USE, said: “Enterprise is having ideas and doing something about them. The Enterprising Ideas competition is an excellent opportunity for entrants to get their idea or business down onto paper, get critical feedback, tap into our startup support services here at USE and maybe win some cash to help them make their idea happen.”

Alex advises budding entrepreneurs to take time to plan and prepare their business plan.

“Don’t be put off by setbacks, use them as challenges to make your business stronger and make sure you have fun in the process,” said Alex. ‘And make sure you offer something your competitors don’t.’

Alex is proud of the excellent customer service that Bike Rehab offers; including a free home collection and delivery service within a 5 mile radius, plus a free safety ‘checkover’ service. They also offer a 24 hour turnaround on all bike repair in Sheffield. It is partially through offering services like this, he feels, which sets him apart from similar businesses in the area.

“It’s all about going the extra mile,” Alex states with real conviction. “Another unique service that we offer is our secure Bike Hub facility in Sheffield city centre. For many, finding a secure place to store your bike whilst at work can be a real problem. Our Bike Hub is only £1 a day, and because we believe in offering that little bit more, we also provide our customers with a free tea or coffee, which is always well received on a cold day!”

With great ideas like this, and a real passion to offer a unique, special service to the people in Sheffield, it is hardly surprising that Alex walked away with the prize and wowed the judges!

To find out more about Bike Rehab's bike repair in Sheffield visit their workshop at Unit 7, Devonshire Business Park, 100 Wellington St, S1 4HX or go to http://bikerehab.co.uk

Photos:
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