Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Wheels of fortune

AN Ulverston bike shop has expanded into larger premises to meet growing demand.

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EXPANDING: The owners, Dave and Charis Drysdale in their new store in Union Place, Ulverston, which is seven times bigger than their old premises HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50037374B000

DC Cycles was set up two years ago by Dave and Charis Drysdale and, after a successful couple of years, the couple have moved into a bigger unit on Union Place.

Seven times bigger than their former Upper Brook Street store, the new shop offers more display space, a larger workshop and new changing rooms.

Mrs Drysdale, 25, said: “We opened DC Cycles two-and-a-half years ago, and didn’t realise how fast the business would grow.

“Our old store only had room for 24 bikes, and we didn’t have space for a proper workshop, so we were having to really pack ourselves in.

“The new shop is great as we can display all our stock instead of storing it in boxes.”

The couple decided to open DC Cycles after Charis became redundant in 2010.

Mrs Drysdale said: “Dave is a level 3 qualified mechanic and worked at Bike Treks in Ambleside for seven years.

“He had always dreamed of having his own shop so, when I lost my job we decided it was the perfect time to do it.

“We were both in our twenties, with no kids or too much responsibility so we thought lets give it a go.

“We did our research and found out that in the Furness area bike riders could be faced with up to 45 week waits in the summer months, so we knew there was a demand for more bike workshops.”

As well as tapping into a growing market the couple believe it is their hard work and attention to detail that has been the key to their success.

Mrs Drysdale said: “Our work shop is extremely busy so we are in work all the time. We got married last year and only managed to take one week off.

“We are both very dedicated to making the business a success.

“At the moment we have one part time member of staff, but if business stays busy, we are hoping employ another full time member of staff.”

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