Welcome to our profiles page. This is where we showcase new talent, or feature people or organizations who are making a difference within their chosen industry space.
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CYCLEHOOP

Name: Anthony Lau
Age: 28
Business: Cyclehoop Ltd
Type of business: Product design and manufacturing
Live Start date: April 2008
Tell us about your business:
My company designs, manufactures and installs cycle parking for local authorities in the UK. Our products convert existing street signposts into cycle parking and are helping councils solve the two big problems of bicycle theft and the lack of bicycle parking on our streets. Our designs have won various design awards including the street furniture category of the ‘Reinventing the Bike Shed’ design competition, first prize at the New York Cityracks competition, and was nominated for Product of the Year 2009.
When did you first decide you wanted to start your own business?
Although I am an architect by training, I have always been passionate about product design. I designed the Cyclehoop as a competition entry and when it won I saw this as an opportunity to enter into product design. I realised that there was a potential turn my idea into a business so I went ahead and sourced my own manufacturer, and managed to find a local authority to trial the product. This has lead to where we are today.
Once you decided to start a business, what did you do first?
I set the company up in April 2008 and at the time I was working full time in an architectural practice training to complete my architect’s qualification. I decided it was important to keep a job and get more experience, whilst running the business in my own time. The first thing was to set up my home office so that I can work on my business at home during evenings and weekends.
What research did you do?
All my research was from the internet. In coming up with the product, I carefully looked into the existing problems councils and cyclists face in terms of bicycle parking and theft. I also analysed all the existed products in the market and their advantages and disadvantages.
How much did it cost to start the business?
I kept costs low by starting my business from home. The only major costs were in prototyping the product and manufacture set up costs, as well as payment for the first batch of units. Other costs include Intellectual Property and website design. The total cost is approximately £5,000.
is it just you?
It is primarily myself but with our business starting to take off, I am looking at adding on one or two team members to deal with sales, design and manufacturing.
What are your main ambitions?
My main goal is to great a successful range of products that are used throughout the UK and internationally. It is hoped that Cyclehoop will be one of many successful products that I will design!
What advise would you give to people wanting to do what you do?
I think there are many people who have ideas for products and want to turn them into businesses. The main problem is not knowing how to turn this idea into reality. I would advise everyone to do their research very thoroughly before even considering turning their idea into a business.
There are many organisations that provide free support to designers and new businesses, such as the British Library Business and Intellectual Property Centre which I highly recommend.
I would also advise anyone about to start their business to do it step by step, such as running the business from home to save costs, and keeping their main job to fund the business! # It is lots of hard work by ultimately the most rewarding experience!


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