BIG INTERVIEW
The ACT is officially endorsing Gogeta as its cycle to work scheme
provided needs a radical re- think. “After years of working within the constraints of a scheme that has been funded by the IBD, with commission charges of up to 15%, the structure has limited the true potential of the tax incentive to cycle to work (introduced by the Government back in 1999).
“With 14 training locations worldwide, a new addition in
Auckland and a soon to be launched Dublin facility - we’ve been busy.”
As with all facets of the trade, Cytech has had to move with the times and expand the course offering to cover e-bikes - but it remains the foundation for those looking to launch their career.
“The course mix has broadened as we partnered with
Giant to provide a specific Giant Cytech technical e-bike qualification and in Q4 we’re re-launching the online Cytech theory one,” said Harrison. “It’s where the Cytech journey begins, suitable for all shop staff working in the cycles trade. “Over 25,000 accreditations have been attained by candidates since inception and IBDs remain the core audience for Cytech skills development, supported by full Government funding in the UK.”
LOOKING FORWARD Understandably, lots of individuals and businesses in the industry will be looking forward to wishing 2023 farewell after the challenges it has presented. However, with a couple of months left to tick off on the calendar, Harrison and the ACT are looking forward to a couple of positive months to round out the year: “It’s going to be an exciting few months for the ACT as we launch several key initiatives and partnerships. “You’ll probably have seen the announcement of our partnership with Gogeta [see news hub p10-11]. Like us, Gogeta want to get more people on bikes, and they believe changing the way in which the Cycle to Work scheme is
22 | October 2023
Now is time to change that. “The ACT are proud to endorse Gogeta to employers, employees and the cycle industry as the solution for a more effective and equitable cycle to work scheme.” The partnership with Gogeta isn’t the only thing that the
ACT is preparing to launch. “We also have a new business banking product to add to our portfolio coming soon,” said Harrison. “It is something that has been in high demand amongst
ACT members for some time now and we are almost ready to press the ‘go’ button. So, watch this space.” As mentioned earlier, the ACT is not immune from the same challenges and questions facing the industry. The discourse around e-bike battery fires caused by misuse, cheap conversion kits and unsafe, imported batteries and chargers continues to garner negative media coverage. Despite this, Harrison believes there is an opportunity hidden within the noise. “We will be working with partners to provide much more information to cyclists on what to look for to make sure that they are safe and how, for example, to spot fake batteries,” explained Harrison. “We want to show that e-bikes are safe provided you
have them properly maintained and checked, and that you are aware of the precautions you need to take when buying replacement batteries and chargers. “Again, watch this space for more.”
To find out more about the ACT visit
cycleassociation.uk, call 01273 427 700 or email
info@theact.org.uk.
www.bikebiz.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
