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Bike business is racing ahead
Former welder Lee Southern is peddling pedals – and saddles, chains and handlebars.
Lee, 36, is riding high after his first month in business exceeded all his expectations and saw him sell three times as many bikes as expected.
Lee, from Doxford Park, opened his store, The BMX Box, in Silksworth last month after giving up his 20-year career as a welder.
"My previous job took me all over Europe, but after 20 years I had just had enough," he said.
"I decided it was time to focus my attention on something I enjoy, and for me enjoyment means biking."
Lee hit on his idea after spotting the plethora of bikes on his drive when his sons and their friends were taking a break from riding at Silksworth Sports Complex.
"Despite the fact there is a massive BMX scene in Sunderland, as well as excellent riding provisions, there wasn't a specialist outlet for people to get hold of equipment and maintain their bikes properly," he said.
Lee quickly snapped up premises a stone's throw from the skate park and converted the run-down fruit and vegetable store into a BMX outlet.
He embarked upon a Be Your Own Boss course at the North East Business and Innovation Centre and developed a business plan with advisers.
"I was confident about the business from day one, as I have done my research and I knew that the market was out there, but I have been absolutely over the moon with the response that we have had so far," he said.
Lee is receiving excellent feedback from national and international suppliers who are lending their support to the business.
"I think that my customers like the fact that, as well as having access to everything they need, they can come in to just discuss or pick my brains on anything bike-related," he said.
"That helps me in shaping the business around their needs, and builds trust when it comes time for them to buy a new BMX or accessories."
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
