Wednesday December 21st 2016
A business formed by two of Scotland’s leading cycling coaches is set to increase its turnover by more than 30% over the next two years with the launch of a luxury cycling holiday venture.
With the help of Business Gateway Midlothian, Service Course – which was set up by Brynley Davies, Team Scotland under 19 Endurance Coach, and Mark McKay, Head Endurance Coach for Team Scotland – has revamped its website to offer a unique ‘Ride with the pros’ experience.
The company, which has organised bespoke corporate cycling experiences for companies across the globe for the past three years, has added the holiday option to provide enthusiasts with a unique way to access some of the country’s top professional riders and support teams.
The coaching duo believe the Scottish-based tours, which take in the Lothians & Borders, Perthshire, Argyll and the North Coast, will alone add an additional 30% over the next two years to their current turnover, which stands at £250k.
Brynley said: “The corporate events provide the bulk of our revenue but they have a long lead time, easily up to a year to come to fruition. We’d always wanted to add in consumer holidays, as we already know that the demand is there, but finding the time to do so was the sticking point. However, with the business on a stable footing, now employing an experienced Marketing & Events Manager and with a fantastic regular support team in place, we believe it is the right time to expand.
“Having worked with Business Gateway right from the start – I went on about 20 of their free courses back in 2013 when we first decided to launch the corporate experiences – we spoke to an adviser when we initially mooted developing the holiday tours. Since then he has worked closely with us, helping secure a Make it to Market Grant and a Digital Scotland Voucher, both from Scottish Enterprise, that has helped us rebrand and launch our new website in October.”
Jim Hiddleston, Business Gateway Midlothian, said: “Brynley and Mark have a unique business with an established model. We’ve been working with them from the very beginning, most recently providing assistance when they were looking to diversify and scale their business by adding new holidays tours. Now they have a striking brand and a mobile responsive website, the company is positioned to appeal to both their core corporate clients and those interested in luxury cycling holidays.”
With the popularity of cycling as a hobby on the increase, Brynley and Mark have designed the holiday routes to accommodate all level of riders; combining Scotland’s beautiful, quiet roads with luxury accommodation, including Cameron House and Gleneagles, and outstanding food.
Brynley said: “Our experience in professional coaching and racing means we know how to look after riders. When we design routes we take into account some cyclists will want to push themselves harder than others. Our team will also give each rider hints and tips on technique, training, hydration, nutrition, bike position and all aspects of their riding to ensure they get the most out of holidaying with us. They’ll then enjoy five-star accommodation and Scotland’s fantastic larder in the company of likeminded people.”
Each immersive holiday and event organised by the duo uses the skills and expertise of mechanics, physios, coaches and ride guides – including Tour de France Champion Carlos Sastre and local pro Evan Oliphant – who have performed at the highest level in bike racing.
“The team we work with are at the top of their game. Going on one of our tours lets people have access to their knowledge and expertise, something non-athletes wouldn’t normally ever have the chance to tap into,” Brynley said.
For more information on Service Course visit www.servicecourse.com/
Find out how Business Gateway Midlothian can help your business visit www.bgateway.com/midlothian or call 0131 516 7132.
