CATEGORIES & CRITERIA
Click on any of the categories below to view the full criteria for entries and nominations.
BIKE BRAND OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category celebrates bicycle brands that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and positive impact on the industry over the past year. Eligible nominees must be active bicycle brands that have launched at least one new bike model or significant product line within the last 12 months.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Innovation and vision: The brand’s forward-thinking approach, demonstrated by the creation of innovative new models, technologies, or significant product updates that push industry progress.
- Product quality and design: Consistent excellence in the quality of materials, manufacturing, design, and performance across their bike range.
- Market impact and relevance: The brand’s ability to offer a compelling and relevant product line that meets evolving consumer demands and industry trends, including the impact of newly launched products in the last year.
- Industry reputation and integrity: The brand’s standing within the cycling community, including its commitment to ethical practices, customer satisfaction, and overall contribution to the trade.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An overview of the brand’s vision and how it drives product development.
- Details of new bike models or significant product updates launched in the past 12 months, highlighting innovative features, design principles, and quality of manufacturing.
- How the brand maintains consistent quality across its product range.
- Highlight any standout products or models that exemplify the brand’s strengths and market position.
- Their distribution arrangements.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to brands that can demonstrate: Niche market leadership; active and significant support for Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs); initiatives or partnerships that actively support and foster up-and-coming cycling brands, designers, or talent within the industry.
P&A BRAND OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category celebrates leading Parts & Accessories (P&A) brands that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and positive impact on the industry over the past year. Eligible nominees must be active P&A brands that have launched at least one significant new product or product line within the last year.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Innovation and product development: The brand’s forward-thinking approach, demonstrated by the creation of innovative new P&A products, technologies, or significant updates that push industry standards and solve user needs.
- Product quality and reliability: Consistent excellence in the quality of materials, manufacturing, design, and performance across their P&A range, ensuring durability and user satisfaction.
- Market relevance and impact: The brand’s ability to offer a compelling and relevant P&A product line that meets evolving consumer demands and industry trends, including the market impact of newly launched products in the last year.
- Industry reputation and support: The brand’s standing within the cycling community, including its commitment to ethical practices, customer satisfaction, and its broader positive contributions to the trade.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An overview of the brand’s vision and how it drives P&A product development.
- Details of significant new P&A products or updates launched in the last year, highlighting their innovative features, design principles, and quality of manufacturing.
- Explain how the brand maintains consistent quality across its P&A product range and its overall contribution to industry progress.
- Highlight any standout P&A products that exemplify the brand’s strengths and market position.
- Their distribution arrangements.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to brands that can demonstrate: Niche market leadership; active and significant support for Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs) via trade marketing or partnership programmes; initiatives or partnerships that actively support and foster up-and-coming cycling brands, designers, or talent within the P&A sector.
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category celebrates standout advancements that move the cycling industry forward. Nominations are open to any business that has introduced a truly exceptional new product to the market on or after January 1, 2025. This category is open to physical products, key product launches, or trade-facing services.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Originality and Design: The true novelty, creativity, and engineering quality of the product, launch, or service, demonstrating a fresh approach within the cycling market.
- Market Impact and Success: The demonstrable positive impact, market adoption, and measurable commercial success achieved by the product since its launch.
- Industry Reception and Reputation: How the product has been received by the wider cycling trade, media, and consumers, reflecting its perceived value and reliability.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A clear description of the product/service and what makes it unique or groundbreaking within the cycling industry.
- The specific problem it solves or the new opportunities it creates for the industry or consumers.
- Specific examples and data demonstrating its impact and success since its launch (on or after January 1, 2025), including any industry recognition or consumer feedback.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to products that have shown the potential to significantly change or disrupt established practices, or those exhibiting clear potential for long-term category growth.
E-MOBILITY BRAND OF THE YEAR
- Who should you nominate? This category recognises outstanding brands pushing the boundaries of electric transport within the bicycle industry. Nominations are open to active bicycle brands available in the UK or European markets that specialise in e-bikes or cargo e-bikes. All nominated brands must be fully road-legal and strictly compliant with UK Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations/European EN15194 standards.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Technological Integration: Excellence in integrating reliable electrical systems, battery safety, and motor compliance that elevate riding experience.
- Urban and Fleet Utility: Practicality, engineering layout, and design tailored to replace traditional automotive transport, handle heavy cargo, or improve everyday commuting.
- Build Reliability and Aftercare: Focus on long-term safety, chassis/component durability, clear battery recycling practices, and comprehensive service support for retailers and end-users.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An overview of the brand’s footprint in the e-mobility space and its technical architecture focus.
- Specific details of models, drive systems, or fleet solutions brought to market or upgraded in the past 12 months.
- Details regarding technician training support, battery safety protocols, and supply chain assistance provided to trade partners.
- Their distribution arrangements.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to brands that can demonstrate: Establishing simple diagnostic or software infrastructure for retail workshops; actively promoting legal e-bike safety standards; capturing significant growth or opening new market territories within urban/utility cycling.
BIKE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
BIKE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category recognises excellence in the crucial role of bike distribution across the UK. Nominations are sought for distributors who consistently offer a high-quality range of bicycles and demonstrate a proven track record of reliable, efficient, and supportive service to their retail partners.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects of their operations and service:
- Quality and breadth of bike range: The excellence and appeal of the bicycle brands and models offered, reflecting market relevance and diverse options for retailers.
- Operational excellence: A proven reputation for effective and efficient order processing, accurate transactions, reliable and swift delivery, and professional packaging standards.
- Retailer support and partnerships: The quality of their customer service, the sharing of valuable industry knowledge and expertise, and proactive initiatives that help their partner retailers grow and thrive.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An outline of customer service policy and how it ensures robust support for retail partners.
- Details of the standout bicycle brands and products within the portfolio, particularly highlighting any exclusive distribution agreements that benefit retailers.
- Describe how the team shares industry knowledge, market insights, and product expertise with partner retailers to help them enhance their business operations and sales.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to distributors who have: Been actively involved in relevant cycling events, trade shows, or industry initiatives over the last year; demonstrated support for up-and-coming cycling brands, designers, or innovators in the last year, helping to bring new products to market.
P&A DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category recognises excellence in the crucial role of Parts and Accessories (P&A) distribution across the UK. Nominations are sought for distributors who consistently offer a high-quality and diverse range of P&A products and demonstrate a proven track record of reliable, efficient, and supportive service to their retail partners.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects of their operations and service:
- Quality and breadth of P&A range: The excellence and appeal of the Parts and Accessories brands and products offered, reflecting market relevance, diverse options for retailers, and responsiveness to industry trends.
- Operational excellence: A proven reputation for effective and efficient order processing, accurate transactions, reliable and swift delivery, and professional packaging standards for P&A products.
- Retailer support and partnerships: The quality of their customer service, the sharing of valuable industry knowledge and expertise, and proactive initiatives that help their partner retailers grow and thrive in the P&A segment.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An outline of customer service policy and how it ensures robust support for retail partners in the P&A sector.
- Details of the standout P&A products and brands within the portfolio, particularly highlighting any exclusive distribution agreements that provide a competitive advantage to retailers.
- How the team shares industry knowledge, market insights, and product expertise with partner retailers to help them enhance their P&A business operations and sales.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to distributors who have: Been actively involved in relevant cycling events, trade shows, or industry initiatives over the last year; demonstrated support for up-and-coming cycling brands, designers, or innovators in the P&A sector in the last year, helping to bring new products to market.
SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This category celebrates distributors who demonstrate exceptional expertise and service within a specific, focused segment of the cycling market. This includes, but is not limited to, specialisations such as e-bikes, BMX, mountain biking (MTB), triathlon, cargo bikes, adaptive cycling, or specific high-end components. Nominees should exhibit deep knowledge and a tailored approach to their chosen niche.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects, with a strong emphasis on their specialist niche:
- Specialised range and expertise: The excellence and depth of the product and brand portfolio within their specific market segment, reflecting deep knowledge and a curated offering.
- Operational efficiency: A proven reputation for effective and efficient order processing, accurate transactions, reliable and swift delivery, and professional packaging tailored to their specialist products.
- Tailored retailer support: The quality of their customer service, the provision of specialist technical and market knowledge, and unique support services designed to help retailers succeed within the nominee’s specific market area.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An outline of the customer service policy and how it specifically caters to the needs of retailers in their specialist area.
- Details of the standout products and brands exclusively offered or where they excel in distributing within the specialist segment, highlighting their unique value.
- Describe how the team’s in-depth industry knowledge and expertise are shared with partner retailers to specifically help them boost their business within the specialist market.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to specialist distributors who can demonstrate: Active work in advocating for or growing their specific cycling niche; a clear focus on sustainable business practices or initiatives that promote inclusivity within their specialist area; significant support for specialist cycling events, clubs, or community initiatives over the last year.
DISTRIBUTOR TEAM OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates the collective strength, collaboration, and exceptional performance of the human element behind UK distribution. Open to whole distribution companies or specific, standout departments within them, such as a dedicated sales team, a marketing department, technical workshop support, or warehouse/logistics staff (e.g., “The X Marketing Team” or “The X Team as a whole”).
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
What Makes a Winning Team? (Voting Focus):
- Synergy and Collaborative Excellence: Evidence of how the team operates cohesively to solve complex trade challenges, improve dealer fulfilment speeds, or smooth out stock volatility.
- Workplace Culture: A demonstrated commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and communicative working environment that drives team performance.
- Retailer Satisfaction: Tangible examples of how this team’s responsiveness, support, and relationship management went above and beyond to safeguard their retail partners’ success over the last year.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A breakdown of the team or specific department’s structure, mandate, and primary responsibilities within the wider distribution network.
- Clear examples of internal milestones, cross-department challenges overcome, or collaborative customer support achievements over the past 12 months.
- Testimonials or metrics illustrating how the team’s service directly improved business outcomes or daily operations for retail customers.
INDEPENDENT BIKE DEALER (IBD) OF THE YEAR - sponsored by V12 Retail Finance
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates excellence among Independent Bike Dealers (IBDs) across the UK. Nominations are open to any bricks-and-mortar bicycle retailers or businesses primarily involved in bicycle repair and servicing, operating with three stores or fewer.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
What Makes a Winning IBD? (Voting Focus):
- Exceptional customer service: Delivering outstanding, personalised service and building strong customer relationships.
- Comprehensive range: Offering a well-curated selection of bicycles, parts, accessories, and services relevant to their customer base.
- Expert staff knowledge: Employing knowledgeable and skilled staff who provide valuable advice and support.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An overview of customer service philosophy and how it translates into positive customer experiences.
- A summary of the core range of services and stock, highlighting how it meets the needs of the local cycling community.
- Details of the knowledge, skills, and expertise offered by staff that set the business apart.
Showcasing Excellence (Voter Appeal): Voters will give additional credit to IBDs which can demonstrate: Successful efforts in building and nurturing a strong cycling community around their store; adoption of innovative or disruptive retail strategies; evidence of significant business growth and local engagement over the last year.
OMNICHANNEL RETAILER OF THE YEAR - sponsored by V12 Retail Finance
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates retailers who excel in providing a seamless and integrated shopping experience across multiple channels. Nominations are open to retailers who effectively combine a physical bricks-and-mortar presence (carrying bikes and/or offering cycle repair services) with a robust and competitive online store, offering a cohesive customer journey.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas, with a focus on their integrated approach:
- Seamless omnichannel experience: The effectiveness of their integrated online and in-store operations to ensure consistent customer service, inventory accuracy, and a smooth purchasing journey across all touchpoints.
- Quality of range and service: The excellence and relevance of their bicycle, P&A, and service offerings, both physically in-store and online.
- Operational efficiency and logistics: A proven reputation for effective and efficient transactions, reliable order fulfilment, swift delivery, and professional packaging, seamlessly managed across all channels.
- Staff expertise: The depth of cycling knowledge, technical skills, and customer service proficiency demonstrated by their staff, supporting both in-store and online customer interactions.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An overview of customer service policy and how it ensures a consistent and high-quality experience across all retail channels (in-store and online).
- Details of cycle-related services and stock offered in-store, and how this complements or integrates with the online product offering.
- How the website’s design and functionality contribute to an efficient and visually appealing online shopping experience.
- How staff’s cycling knowledge and skills are leveraged to support customers across both physical and digital interactions.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to omnichannel retailers who have successfully built and nurtured a community around their presence, adopted innovative retail strategies, demonstrated notable business growth, or actively supported cycling charities and events over the last year.
RETAILER SERVICES
Who should you nominate? This award recognises companies that provide outstanding services directly benefiting members of the cycling trade, particularly retailers. Nominations are open to businesses offering essential B2B services such as: staff training, EPOS and inventory management systems, bike fitting software, workshop solutions, marketing support, financial services, or other tools that enhance retailer operations and profitability.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas concerning their service to cycling retailers:
- Measurable Impact and value: The demonstrable and quantifiable positive impact their service has had on the efficiency, profitability, customer experience, or growth of cycling retailers.
- Innovation and uniqueness: The originality and distinctiveness of their service offering, providing new or significantly improved solutions for the industry.
- Expertise and support: The depth of specialist knowledge and skills possessed by their team, and how effectively this expertise is shared and leveraged to empower their retail clients.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A clear description of the service and how it uniquely addresses specific needs or challenges faced by cycling retailers.
- Specific examples and quantifiable data (where possible) illustrating the positive impact and success the service has delivered for retailers over the last year.
- Details of the specialist knowledge, skills, and training the team provides to the industry, beyond the core service.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to those who have actively supported and fostered strong working relationships with Independent Bike Dealers, effectively utilised multiple platforms to support a wide range of trade partners, or made a significant impact that has tangibly benefited the wider cycle trade.
SPECIALIST RETAILER OF THE YEAR - sponsored by V12 Retail Finance
Who should you nominate? This category is for retailers who excel in a focused or unique segment of the cycling industry. This includes, but is not limited to, businesses specialising in areas such as: e-bikes, cargo bikes, specific cycling disciplines (e.g., gravel, mountain biking, track), custom bike builds, adaptive cycling, high-end performance, vintage bikes, or bespoke accessories and apparel. It is designed for those who offer a deep level of expertise and a tailored product or service offering beyond a general bike shop.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Specialised expertise and range: The depth and breadth of their specialised product range and services, demonstrating a clear focus on their chosen niche. This includes the quality and relevance of their stock and any unique services they offer.
- Exceptional customer service: The quality of their customer interactions, support, and after-sales care, tailored to the specific needs of their specialist clientele.
- Staff Knowledge and skills: The expertise, training, and specialist knowledge of their team ensuring they provide authoritative and insightful guidance to customers within their niche.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- An outline of the specialist niche and the unique value proposition you offer.
- Your approach to customer service, including any specific policies or initiatives.
- A summary of the specialised product range and services.
- Details of the knowledge, skills, and training possessed by staff relevant to the specialisation.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Judges will give additional credit to specialist retailers who can demonstrate: Successful efforts in building a community around their store; implementation of innovative retail strategies; tangible evidence of business growth; or active participation within their specialism over the past year.
CYCLE ADVOCACY AWARD
Who should you nominate? This award recognises organisations, initiatives, or individuals who are championing cycling across the UK, bringing significant benefits to the wider cycle industry. This includes, but is not limited to, efforts focused on promoting funding schemes, enhancing cycling education, developing UK infrastructure, improving cycling safety, fostering cycling participation, or advocating for policy changes that positively impact the trade.
The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Positive industry impact: The demonstrable and measurable benefits their advocacy work has delivered to the UK cycle industry as a whole.
- Uniqueness and innovation: The originality, creativity, and distinctiveness of their approach to cycling advocacy.
- Achieved outcomes: The specific and significant outcomes, successes, or milestones achieved by their advocacy efforts during the last 12 months.
Nomination Requirements: To support your nomination, please provide a statement (maximum 300 words) addressing the following:
- A clear description of the advocacy service or initiative.
- How the work uniquely contributes to and benefits the UK cycling industry.
- Specific examples and quantifiable data (where possible) of the impact the advocacy has had in 2025.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional, but highly encouraged): Judges will give additional credit to those who can demonstrate:
- Collaboration with IBDs: Active support for and collaboration with Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs) in 2025.
- Broad reach and engagement: Successful utilisation of diverse platforms and channels to effectively engage with a wide audience of both retailers and consumers.
- Mainstream influence: Achievements in bringing cycling advocacy into mainstream discourse or achieving significant public awareness and positive change benefiting the cycle trade over the last 12 months.
DIVERSITY CHAMPION
Who should you nominate? This award is dedicated to recognising an outstanding individual or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and made a significant, measurable impact on fostering diversity and inclusion within the cycling industry. This includes efforts that address underrepresentation, promote equitable opportunities, and create welcoming environments.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by the BikeBiz team.
Judging Criteria: The BikeBiz team will evaluate nominees on the following key aspects of their diversity and inclusion work within the cycle trade:
- Scope and depth of initiatives: The nature, scale, and long-term commitment of their efforts, including advocacy, campaigning, policy changes, training programmes, or dedicated schemes.
- Demonstrable impact: Evidence of concrete and positive outcomes from their work, such as increased representation, improved access, enhanced inclusivity, or a tangible shift in industry culture.
- Leadership and influence: The nominee’s role as a driving force for change, inspiring others and contributing to broader awareness and action on issues within the cycling industry.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A detailed description of any diversity and inclusion work, outlining the specific initiatives, programmes, or policies implemented.
- Concrete examples and, where possible, measurable data demonstrating the positive impact the efforts have had on improving diversity and inclusion within the cycling industry.
- How the work serves as an example or inspiration for others in the cycle trade to further diversity and inclusion efforts.
Key Considerations for the BikeBiz Team: Particular consideration will be given to individuals or organisations which have: Focused on removing identifiable barriers to participation or employment for underrepresented groups; collaborated with other trade entities to amplify efforts; or shown long-term, intersectional commitment over the last 12-24 months.
BIKEBIZ WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates an outstanding woman who has made a profound and demonstrable impact on the UK cycling industry over the last 12 months. Her contributions could span leadership, innovation, advocacy, business growth, community building, or inspiring change.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
What Makes a BikeBiz Woman of the Year? (Voting Focus):
- Industry leadership and influence: Driving positive change, setting new standards, or demonstrating exemplary leadership within her organisation or the wider industry.
- Innovation and vision: Contributing to new products, services, strategies, or approaches that have advanced the cycling sector.
- Advocacy and community building: Championing important causes, fostering diversity and inclusion, or building strong, supportive communities within cycling.
- Business success and growth: Achieving notable success, driving growth, or overcoming significant challenges within her role or business.
- Inspiration and mentorship: Serving as a role model, mentor, or inspiration for others within the industry.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- Specific examples of their achievements, initiatives, or projects over the last year.
- The tangible positive outcomes or changes resulting from their work.
- Why their contribution stands out and inspires others in the industry.
Showcasing Excellence (Voter Appeal): Voters will give additional credit to individuals who can demonstrate: Successfully challenging norms or breaking new ground within the industry; engaging with multiple parts of the sector; laying groundwork for long-term growth; or receiving positive public recognition over the last year.
SUSTAINABILITY
Who should you nominate? This award recognises a person, initiative, business, or campaign within the cycling industry that has driven systemic, long-term sustainabile change. This award goes beyond baseline changes; it is designed to reward substantial, overarching updates. Nominees must show an active focus on improving the environment, lowering carbon footprints, or pioneering circular economy principles.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key areas:
- Scale of Environmental Shift: The ambition and scope of the structural changes, green campaigns, or resource infrastructure implemented.
- Tangible, Showcased Results: Evidence of concrete, verified outcomes (such as documented waste reduction metrics, carbon track offsets, supply chain auditing, or raw material transformation).
- Industry Leadership: How the nominee acts as a blueprint, inspiring alternative suppliers, brands, or shops to implement greener business templates.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A structural breakdown of the sustainability strategies, changes, or campaigns developed over the past year.
- Specific data and real-world results illustrating a measurable reduction in environmental impact or a verified shift in sustainable practice.
- An explanation of how this initiative can be scaled or used as an inspiration for the wider cycle trade.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates an outstanding cycling event that has delivered exceptional experiences and made a significant positive impact in the UK over the last 12 months. Nominations are open to any cycling event, series, or gathering, including: trade shows, competitive races (road, MTB, BMX, track), festivals, sportives, community rides, or shows.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects:
- Participant/visitor experience: The overall quality, engagement, and enjoyment delivered to attendees, including organisation, route/venue quality, atmosphere, and value for money.
- Industry impact and profile: The event’s contribution to promoting cycling, supporting the cycle trade, or raising the profile of a specific cycling discipline or the industry as a whole.
- Operational excellence: The efficiency, safety, sustainability, and professionalism in the planning, execution, and management of the event.
- Innovation and uniqueness: Any new or distinctive elements, technologies, or approaches implemented that set the event apart.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- A clear description of the event, its purpose, scale, and target audience.
- How the event delivered an exceptional experience for its participants or visitors.
- Specific examples of the event’s positive impact on the cycling industry, local community, or cycling participation.
- Any innovative features or unique aspects that contributed to its success.
Showcasing Excellence (Voter Appeal): Voters will give additional credit to events which have: Demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability or inclusivity; generated significant media coverage; supported local businesses and charities; or shown remarkable growth over the last year.
MECHANIC OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates the unsung heroes of the workshop – highly skilled and dedicated bicycle mechanics. Nominations are open to any individual mechanic working within the UK, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency, outstanding customer service, and a passion for keeping riders on two wheels.
Voting Method: Winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects:
- Technical proficiency: The depth and breadth of their mechanical knowledge, diagnostic skills, quality of repairs, and ability to handle a wide range of bicycle types and components.
- Customer service and communication: Their ability to clearly explain issues, provide accurate advice, manage expectations, and build trust with customers.
- Problem-solving and efficiency: Their aptitude for innovative problem-solving, effective time management, and efficient turnaround times without compromising quality.
- Professionalism and reputation: Their overall professionalism, attention to detail, commitment to continuous learning, and positive reputation among colleagues and customers.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- Describe the nominee’s primary areas of mechanical expertise and any specialisations (e.g., e-bikes, suspension, custom builds).
- Provide specific examples of how they demonstrate exceptional customer service and communication skills.
- Highlight a particular instance where their technical skill or problem-solving ability saved the day for a customer or a challenging repair.
- Describe their commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with industry advancements.
Showcasing Excellence (Voter Appeal): Voters will give additional credit to mechanics who have: Mentored junior mechanics or apprentices; introduced innovative workshop practices that improved service quality; received outstanding consumer testimonials; or contributed to local cycling communities through their skills.
UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award honours an individual who has made a significant, yet often overlooked, contribution to the cycling industry over the past year. This category is for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, whose dedication and impact might not always be in the spotlight but are absolutely vital to the success and health of the trade.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
Judging Criteria: The BikeBiz team will evaluate nominees on the following key aspects of their contribution:
- Impact behind the scenes: The tangible positive outcomes of their work, even if it’s not a public-facing role or widely celebrated, on specific projects, teams, or the wider industry.
- Dedication and commitment: Evidence of sustained effort, passion, and going above and beyond their usual duties to achieve a significant goal.
- Problem-solving and support: Their ability to overcome challenges, provide crucial support, or implement solutions that have a profound effect on colleagues, processes, or industry members.
- Character and inspiration: Their personal qualities, such as humility, resilience, and their ability to inspire and enable others around them.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- Clearly describe the nominee’s role and the specific contributions they have made to the cycling industry over the past year.
- Explain why their contribution is “unsung” or has gone largely unrecognised despite its significance.
- Provide examples of the positive impact their work has had on their organisation, colleagues, or the wider industry.
- Highlight any personal qualities or efforts that demonstrate their dedication and going above and beyond.
Key considerations (Voter Appeal): Voters look for individuals who have quietly championed an internal cause or project; demonstrated remarkable resilience in challenging trade environments; or mentored colleagues or new entrants to the industry without formal recognition.
CYCLING MEDIA OF THE YEAR
Who should you nominate? This award celebrates excellence and influence in cycling journalism and content creation. Nominations are open to any UK-based cycling media platform that has consistently produced engaging content over the last year. This includes: publications (print or digital), podcasts, magazines, websites, YouTube channels, and social media channels.
Voting Method: The winner will be decided by public vote open to the entire cycling industry.
Judging Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the following key aspects of their media output:
- Content quality: The excellence, accuracy, originality, and relevance of their editorial, audio, or visual content to their target audience and the wider cycling industry.
- Audience engagement: The effectiveness of their platform in attracting, retaining, and engaging a significant audience, demonstrating influence and reach.
- Industry Influence: Their reputation as a trusted source of information and their impact on shaping discussions, informing consumers, or influencing trends within the cycling trade.
- Innovation and multi-platform presence: The adoption of new technologies, creative storytelling formats, or successful integration across multiple media platforms.
Nomination Requirements (Maximum 300 words):
- Describe the core mission, target audience, and primary content focus.
- Highlight specific examples of content (e.g. particular articles, episodes, videos, series) published in the last year that demonstrate originality and relevance.
- Provide evidence of audience engagement and reach (e.g. unique visitors, subscriber numbers, listener figures, social media interactions, testimonials).
- How the platform contributes to or influences the wider cycling industry.
Demonstrating Excellence (Optional): Additional credit will be given to those who: Successfully uncovered significant stories or provided peerless in-depth coverage; fostered a strong sense of community; championed diversity, inclusion, or sustainability themes; or collaborated effectively with industry stakeholders.