The Scale-up Series: How SeaBass Cycles launched a new retail location

We've launched the Scale-up Series, 10 minute in depth video interviews with entrepreneurs to understand how they've achieved growth. The series is supported by O2 Business.

The third episode features Zoe Hominick, head of business marketing at O2, in conversation with Charlie Roberts and Sam Lewin, co-founders of SeaBass Cycles. The interview was recorded at O2 Academy Brixton.

What started as a small bike repair shop in Camberwell in South London expanded to a second shop five times the size with bikes on sale.

In an entertaining and informative interview, Charlie and Sam admit they were naive when it came to business in the early days.

"When we started we weren't business minded at all; we just knew bikes. I didn't know the difference between gross and net profit," says Sam. "But being in the middle of it, you have to learn."

Informality and the personal touch

The entrepreneurs' relaxed approach has paid off with a steady flow of loyal customers.

One of their tactics is remembering customers' names.

"We keep the shop interesting, a friendly environment", Charlie explains. "We're not a very formal company and I think customers really appreciate that. It's not your regular High Street shop."

The founders say life was much easier running their first shop which was small with low rent. "Stress levels are high" running the second shop which is much bigger. But, Charlie admits, "it's all worth it."

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