MP praises business as a show of British skill
WESTERHAM'S MP Michael Fallon has praised a firm based in the town, describing it as an example of how British manufacturing can take on the world.
Cyclepods was set up in 2006 by business partners Natalie Connell and James Steward, who designed the first Cyclepod bicycle storage unit in his final year at Nottingham Trent University.
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BEST OF BRITISH: James Steward and Natalie Connell from Cyclepod demonstrate their products to MP Michael Fallon
The business moved to Westerham in 2007, hiring its first staff member, who lives in Brasted.
Miss Connell said: "I think we will definitely be staying Westerham based in the future as our team lives in the surrounding area."
Mr Fallon said the business, which has reached a turnover of £1 million, is an example of one which he intends to support, and which others could learn from.
"Cyclepods is a good example of a successful local business, showing how British design and manufacturing can take on the world," he said.
"Cyclepods has a full order book, with clients ranging from local schools and railway stations to large international firms like KPMG, and is winning orders overseas."
One of the reasons for Cyclepods' success, according to Miss Connell, is its commitments to the environment.
She said: "All products are now made out of recycled and recyclable materials and in 2008 we became carbon neutral which is now key to our business as some companies will deal with us because we are the only carbon neutral bike storage firm."
Mr Fallon said: "Over the coming year, I will be doing all I can to support businesses like Cyclepods. With the right support, British manufacturers can flourish and compete with firms across the world.
"New small businesses are the key to the jobs of the future".
Comments
by TheRanter
Friday, January 20 2012, 6:26AM
“Well done to the Cyclepods team. Fantastic, you found a product people want and you're going to make some money and employ one, two maybe more people. That said Michael Fallon and the rest of the political class need to get real. The UK needs industry, a manufacturing base, a proper apprenticeship scheme and thus JOBS! Real jobs that allow our young people to plan a future, to have stability all of which is necessary for the future well being of our people. The UK is just one big service sector, seemingly 'servicing' the ever growing political elite and their follower who are not 'in it' with the rest of us. Get real Fallon!”