It’s not every day that a Dragons Den tycoon calls you up out of the blue, so when Touker Suleyman called asking if we can we design, build and install a goods lift for Bikesoup’s brand new flagship store in London’s Westfield Shopping Centre, we were thrilled!
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A revolutionary online platform, Bikesoup helps enthusiasts buy and sell second-hand bikes, components, apparel, and biking accessories to fellow cyclists across the UK. The development of their brand new flagship store in Westfield Shopping Centre, London, was designed to showcase the very latest and best in bike tech. With its very own service department, coffee shop and bespoke building workshop for more advanced pedallers, Bikesoup is the hub of all things cycling in London; bringing together the best names in retail and cycle mechanics. With all this being said, we were understandably overjoyed to have been approached by one of Dragons Den’s very own to provide our bespoke services.
Penny Hydraulics’ in house design team worked alongside JSL Architects to design a bespoke MezzLift that could comfortably sit within a stairwell in the main customer area; so staff can easily transport bikes and accessories up to 250kg from ground level up to the mezzanine area safely and discretely. They also requested minimum intrusion into the shared customer space, as well as for it to visually match its surroundings.
As part of the design process, we were able to provide 2D drawings in both PDF and autoCAD formats to be included within the site plans. We also worked closely alongside JSL Architects; testing out different locations and orientations to ensure we found the very best solution for the operators. For the final finishing touches, we painted the guards in Bikesoup’s custom colour and provided keyed operator controls at both landings to prevent unauthorised access. Once on site we worked closely with the main contractor, Ben Chalk of GIRE, to carry out the necessary site surveys to ensure the lift fitted perfectly into the allocated area.
The cost of floor space in such a prime location meant that the architect had to maximise the whole volume of the premises; thanks to the compact nature of our MezzLight mezzanine goods lift, they had no trouble utilising the little space offered.
Fitting into an otherwise difficult area, Bikesoup’s brand new mezzanine floor goods lift was the perfect way to utilise minimal space, as well as eliminating the common issue of carrying any heavy or awkward items upstairs. Not only this, but our commitment to designing, manufacturing and assembling all of our own parts here in the UK made mimicking the store’s structure in the shaft design was simple and straightforward.
“It has been a pleasure to work on this project and, with all parties being passionate about what they do, it has at times been challenging but the end result was worth it” commented Umar Lodhi, Senior MezzLift Design Engineer at Penny Hydraulics.
Our collaboration with Bikesoup has been extremely rewarding for several reasons; due to our shared values on sustainability and inclusivity. Penny Hydraulics is a family firm that operates at the heart of an old mining community; supporting apprenticeships, local schools and various community projects. Not only this, but half of our company electricity is solar, with the remainder sourced via a zero-carbon supplier, and we make every effort to ensure that no waste whatsoever goes to land-fill.
With a shared ethos for reducing our environmental impact, efficiency and innovation, working alongside Bikesoup was the perfect match. Store manager Mark Burnham states: “The Penny Hydraulics lift is really critical, as it assists us in moving the day to day stock around between the stores two floors”.
To simplify your everyday, get in touch with Penny Hydraulics for bespoke goods lifts and lighting winch systems – we are always happy to help give advice wherever necessary.
