Bike manufacturer making tracks following innovative support

About the business

A Lanarkshire mountain bike manufacturer is targeting ambitious plans for growth, including UK-based manufacturing, following advice and support from Business Gateway.

Launched in 2014 by Alan Finlay, Pipedream Cycles offers high-quality steel and titanium bicycle frames that are tested and ridden world-wide. Built on a forward-thinking approach to design, Pipedream’s frames are renowned for an uncompromising approach to engineering and a bold colourful finish.

I knew I needed help to get Pipedream Cycles off the ground, but I was amazed to hear about the resources I could access through Business Gateway.

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway supported Pipedream Cycles with a successful application to Scottish Enterprise for a £5000 By Design grant, which provides access to product development funding for ambitious entrepreneurs. The By Design funding continues to support Pipedream Cycles’ expanding product range, including plans to roll out a new model in 2020 that will deliver projected revenue growth of £500,000.

Alan Finlay, owner, Pipedream Cycles, said: “Since meeting with Business Gateway in 2018, I’ve worked closely with my adviser, John, who has been a phenomenal help by providing me with a wide range of support.

“Business Gateway has challenged me more than I ever expected but in the best possible way. Although the business launched in 2014, I feel Pipedream Cycles is now making significant progress with the help of Business Gateway."

Now, thanks to Business Gateway Lanarkshire, Alan is developing his skills through the free marketing, operations and innovation workshops available, as well as one-to-one business advice.