THE OWNERS of a Bromsgrove bike repair shop have announced they are closing their business after four years.
Hannah Smith and her partner Owen Hazelwood opened Academy Bikeworks at the Basepoint Business Centre, Isidore Road, in 2018.
Both had worked at Speeds Cycles which had been in the town for generations before it shut.
But yesterday the pair posted on Facebook, saying they were to close and cease trading with their last day being on Wednesday, September 7.
They added: “This is for a number of reasons, but predominantly the ongoing supply chain issues (an issue that has affected our industry since June 2020) coupled with the ever worsening economic landscape, which has ultimately made it untenable for the business to continue trading.”
Their lease was due to end in December with rent rises forecast and parking charges being introduced to the site.
The statement added continuing the business had had considerable impact on their living circumstances and they had moved in with family last year to minimise what they drew as salary.
“But this living situation isn’t sustainable long term and in truth is having a negative impact on home life.
“This decision has not been made lightly – we have worked incredibly hard and have no doubt the business would have been a resounding success if not for these these external and ‘outside of our control’ factors.
“But we have to face the facts that the situation is unlikely to improve any time soon, and that continuing the business would only put us under more stress and strain.
“We want to thank every single person that has supported us. Next week would have marked 4 years since opening our business, and during that time we have met a phenomenal number of truly awesome people; and we hope to stay in touch with as many of you as possible.
“We will be contacting customers with existing work orders to minimise disruption. We are uncertain what the future holds, but we will of course post updates as we know more; but equally ask that you respect our need for space and time to process this decision.
“Thank you again for all of your support.”
Customers took to social media to thank them for all they had done for them, to express their sadness that the business was closing and to wish them well for the future.
Others described them as ‘amazing’ and said they were ‘gutted’ by the closure.
One added the business going was a ‘loss to the local cycling community’.
