We’ve got stats from the shows (Eurobike and ISPO Bike) and a hint of what the cycle industry could benefit from if it presents a united front to the European Union’s head honchos (according to the ECF). They’re all part of our random round-up of figures and numbers from the (mostly) beautiful bicycle industry...
1,000km
Six riders from Evans Cycles cycled the distance to Eurobike in Friedrichshafen, Germany from their HQ in Gatwick, London
Mike Davis MD, Oolite Media
What bikes do you own and where’s your favourite trail? I like a bit of variety – I’ve got road, CX and track bikes, as well as a bunch of MTBs. I could ride Weacombe in the Quantocks endlessly, but I like a bit of rocky tech too.
Tell us about your background in the bike business: I joined Future Publishing in 1996 to run Cyclenet, a very ahead-of-its-time stab at a cycling website. I moved sideways to MBUK and spent the next several years bouncing around Future titles – Mountain Bike World, Total Bike, What Mountain Bike and MBUK.com. I ended up doing a lot of management stuff and not very much writing, so joined BikeMagic as editor. I left BM in 2010 to go it alone.
You’ve set up a new copywriting firm – can tell us about this venture? As soon as I set up on my own, magazine work started coming my way, but it was always my plan to diversify into copywriting and let the rest of the industry benefit from my experience.
What can you offer a firm seeking marketing support? Compelling copy is a vital part of the marketing mix, whether it’s web pages, hard-copy catalogues, brochures, adverts. A lot of companies have a great story and great products, but struggle to articulate that in words, which is where I can help.
Still freelance for any titles in the bike business? I’m a regular contributor to MBUK, What Mountain Bike, Cycling Plus and the CTC’s Cycle mag. I helped to get Privateer off the ground in 2011 and still contribute features to it.
Who’s on your client list to date? I’m working with major component and bike manufacturers in mainland Europe and the US, as well as UK-based retailers, manufacturers and agencies.
How can those who require your services get in touch? Visit www.oolitemedia.co.uk for all my contact details.