The BikeBiz Podcast

Is the cycling industry ready for a genuine cultural audit? 🚲In episode four, host Pedro Couto Lopes is joined by three change-makers to discuss the roadmap for a more inclusive, accessible, and successful industry. We move beyond the boardroom to explore the sociological barriers, the "mental load" of leadership, and why inclusive culture is the ultimate engine for 2026 recovery.The Panellists:Rachael Burnside: Founder of Uplift, a mentorship community for women in the cycling trade.Miles Baker-Clarke: Founder of Cycling Culture Club, a movement redefining what it means to be a "cyclist."Dr. Fiona Spotswood: Lead of Project FIAS, conducting ground-breaking research into the sociology of the cycling industry.Listen for:✅ Why only 21% of the trade sees women as a growth segment (and why they're wrong).✅ How to move from tokenism to authentic allyship.✅ The "Mirror Test" for boardroom diversity.✅ Real-world success stories in talent retention.Stay Connected:📖 Full Editorial Summary: https://bikebiz.com/podcast-panel-diversity-inclusion-cycling/📩 Partner with us: [email protected]

"Growth happens when you are comfortable being uncomfortable." 🎙️In Episode #3, host Pedro Couto Lopes is joined by Nikki Hawyes, CEO of Whyte Bikes. Nikki shares an incredibly candid look at what it means to lead with authenticity during a Private Equity exit, a global supply chain crisis, and a major brand turnaround.In this episode, we explore:Inclusive Leadership: Why diversity is a core business pillar, not a "nice-to-have."The "Niche" Advantage: How Whyte outmanoeuvres corporate giants in R&D.The Mental Load: The resilience required for a high-stakes business acquisition.Market Data: A call for the industry to end "data gatekeeping" to prevent oversupply.Missed our previous episodes? Watch or listen on your favourite platforms today. Check out more from the BikeBiz podcast on our website. Proudly supported by our headline partners at Reid.

Is the "long COVID hangover" finally over for the bike trade? 🚲In this episode, host Pedro Couto Lopes sits down with Rob Akam, CEO of Reid, to discuss the brand’s strategic return to the UK market and the roadmap for 2026. Rob shares why he believes the industry is entering a "clean slate" phase and reveals how Reid is using AI to supercharge global productivity and trend analysis.We discuss:✅ The 2026 Clean Slate: Why the inventory struggle is finally behind us.✅ AI in the Trade: Using tech for trend analysis and better business operations.✅ The Mission: Making e-mobility safe, accessible, and high-quality for everyone.✅ Global Growth: Insights from shipping 150,000 units annually across 25 markets."Stop making people think they’re not cyclists if they’re not in head-to-toe gear on an £8,000 bike. The everyday rider is the true engine of this industry." — Rob AkamProudly supported by our headline partners at Reid.

What does the future hold for the UK cycle trade? Dominic Langan, CEO of Madison, joins us for a "State of the Nation" discussion to kick off the BikeBiz Podcast.In this episode, we cover:The Surplus Struggle: Why inventory issues may last into 2026.The Agility Advantage: How small retailers are reacting faster than the big players.Adapt or Die: Moving from a "mechanic’s mindset" to a "retailer’s mindset."Inclusivity: Why the industry is missing out by not catering to a wider demographic.Dominic shares his advice for surviving the current climate and explains why he remains optimistic about the long-term growth of the cycling market.Follow BikeBiz:Website: https://bikebiz.com/