Business Secretary Peter Kyle has visited the headquarters of a promising tech startup.
Mr Kyle, who is also MP for Hove and Portslade, spent time at bikebook in Brighton, a company aiming to go global with its digital platform for the cycling industry.
Founded in 2020, bikebook connects cyclists with local workshops through a suite of management tools.
Mr Kyle’s visit focused on the company’s plans to expand internationally, with North America and Australia identified as priority markets.
READ MORE
WrapUK highlights the contrasts between vehicle graphics options
WrapUK highlights the contrasts between vehicle graphics options
Upmarket restaurant in row with neighbours and council over ‘unbearable’ noise
Upmarket restaurant in row with neighbours and council over ‘unbearable’ noise
Automotive firm expands with new branch and nine new roles
Automotive firm expands with new branch and nine new roles
Ryan Elson, co-founder of bikebook, said: “Having Peter visit our office at such a pivotal moment for bikebook was invaluable.
“We had a very candid discussion about the real-world impact of tariffs on the independent bike shops we support, both here and abroad.
“His insights into transitioning from a small business to a large-scale international player have given us a clear roadmap as we look to launch our platform into new territories.”
During the meeting, Mr Kyle and the founding team discussed challenges around global expansion, including tariffs and international supply chains.
Mr Kyle also shared business advice drawn from his role overseeing the Department for Business and Trade, emphasising the need to integrate trade strategy with digital product design and pointing to UK Export Finance as a tool for supporting service-based exports.
bikebook’s platform is designed to boost efficiency for independent bike workshops through digital tools for customer records, job tracking, and invoicing.
The company has established a strong presence in the UK and now aims to replicate its success abroad.
Mr Kyle’s visit also underlines Brighton’s reputation as a hub for tech innovation.
The company said it “remains dedicated to its mission of streamlining workshop management and supporting the independent cycling community on a global scale” as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
bikebook describes itself as “a leading workshop management and booking platform designed specifically for the cycling industry.