A SKIPTON business is celebrating after being voted the Top Independent Bike Store for 2014.

Chevin Cycles received the industry accolade at the recent Bike Biz Awards ceremony at the NEC’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Birmingham.

The award has capped off a highly successful period for Otley based Chevin Cycles, which was listed as one of the country's best by customers earlier in the year and has also expanded to open two new stores - in Skipton and in Harrogate.

Company director Sanjai Bhatia said: "We were honoured at the start of the year to be listed among the top 20 independent bike stores in the UK by our consumers, and this award is just the icing on the cake.

“2014 has been a busy year for us. After 30 years of trading from our flagship shop in Otley, we have also opened two additional stores in Skipton and Harrogate.

"We are lucky enough to be situated in God's own country, Yorkshire, which over the last month or so has certainly proved itself as the beating heart of UK cycling.

"Our new outlets have created 15 new jobs for budding cyclists in the area, which is something that makes us extremely proud.

"We now have a total of 32 employees, ranging from sales consultants to web developers. Between us, all aspects of cycling are covered."

The company is also keen to persuade more businesses to join its Ride2Work scheme, a government backed initiative which aims to get more people cycling.

Mr Bhatia added: "We aim to make cycling part of everyone’s daily routine, whether you’re commuting to work or school, it gives you so many benefits.

"The cycle to work programme provides an easy way for employees to get started, providing tax benefits and a minimum 25 per cent saving of the total purchase price of a new bike.

"Employers may also save on their National Insurance and VAT - so a win-win situation for everyone."

Chevin Cycles is already working with a number of local schools and businesses, including Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, on the scheme.

Stewart Spencer, who co-ordinates cycling to work at the famous tea blending and cafe company, said: "We currently have 76 people hiring bikes through the programme.

"The scheme offers people the chance to buy a bike through a salary sacrifice scheme that is exempt from tax and National Insurance, allowing them to get some exercise, reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time."