HIKE & Bike in Galashiels has been shortlisted for the prestigious Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023 which recognises some of Scotland’s most pioneering social enterprises.
The Borders venture, established to increase cycling and walking in and around Galashiels opened in February this year and aims to promote active travel and healthy leisure activities and make them available to everyone, regardless of income.
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It also offers bike repairs and maintenance at affordable prices and will also support cyclists who want to learn to do their own repairs and maintenance.
And after six months they have been nominated in the One to Watch Award Category sponsored by Bold Studio for social enterprises that show early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business.
Hike & Bike are up against Carrick Rugby from Ayrshire, Pride Outside CIC who provide specialist LGBTQ+ workplace training and consultancy to public, private and third sector organisations. Embers Aquatics who aim to share their love of swimming and Aban who offer positive outdoor adventures for young people and families.
The Awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good - that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.
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Hike & Bike’s mechanic George Crow said: “We are really excited about being shortlisted. The Hub is doing really well with a large volume of people taking bikes out, particularly visitors.
“We’ve been fortunate to have received funding from the Scottish Borders Council Community Cycling fund.
“We decided to use the funding to allow us to hire bikes for free, not just during the current UCI World Championships but from July to October.
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“And once people realised there was no catch the initiative has been well received.”
The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.
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