September 23, 2016, by The Ingenuity Lab
Your Bike CIC: Cycling towards progress
In The Ingenuity Lab, no day is the same and every member has a different story and requirements. As a group, we support each other, collaborate and ensure we have as much fun along the day; creating a melting pot of ideas! Each week, we will introduce one of our exemplary members and their business to you!
Last week, we celebrated International Day of Democracy, #RecyclingWeek AND Cycle to Work Day – so who better to show off than the Ingenuity Lab member who encompasses all of those themes… Amir Miah?!
Age: 21
Nationality: British
Company name:
Your Bike CIC
What are you studying at The University of Nottingham?
A BSc in Accounting, Finance and Management – I’m just about to start my final year.
What made you want to be an entrepreneur?
Your Bike CIC is a social enterprise based in London, set up to provide training and employment opportunities for young people aged 16-25 involved in serious crime and gang violence.
I wanted to pursue this project to tackle the cycle of reoffending in my local community.
What is your business concept?
We offer cycle services and repairs, and also sell used bicycles provided by the Metropolitan Police (unclaimed cycles). We reinvest the profits to provide diversionary activities for young people involved in crime.
What stage are you currently at in setting up your company/business?
We began trading two years ago, and since then Your Bike CIC has a permanent bicycle repair store in Poplar, East London and we are now pursuing further opportunities. One of these involves partnering with both the Metropolitan Police and British Land PLC within a large redevelopment project in Canada Water (South London). We are working towards a project involving motorbikes and scooters in 1-2 years.
What challenges have you faced during the process?
The two biggest challenges have been paying the bills and recruiting trustworthy employees to help keep Your Bike CIC going whilst I am studying in Nottingham (150 miles away!).
How has being an Ingenuity Lab member helped you?
The Ingenuity Lab has helped me to turn ideas into plans. The mentors there are experienced business people, and that comes across straight away. I’ve had corporate mentors before who were not worth the time and so it’s great to have advice from people who ‘get it’.
What are your goals for this year?
We want to set up our hub space in Canada Water to continue supporting over 20 young people on their journey to secure full time employment.
Amir is always looking for bright individuals that fit the Your Bike CIC values to give a helping hand towards their mission in breaking the cycle of reoffending for young Londoners in the areas we work in.
If you are interested in providing support, please contact Amir directly on amirmiah95@gmail.com.
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