Derby Telegraph

City cycle firm enters voluntary liquidatio­n after 78 years’ trade

EWAN MCGREGOR AND PAUL SMITH AMONG CELEBRITY CUSTOMERS

A WELL-known Derby cycle firm has announced it has entered voluntary liquidatio­n.

Mercian Cycles was launched as a cycle shop in the city in 1946 and is known today for its custom-made bicycles, boasting customers worldwide including designer Paul Smith and actor Ewan McGregor.

Mercian Cycles began as a small shop on London Road and, shortly afterwards, Mercian frames were being built in a small workshop on Castle Street, off London Road.

After 78 years of mastering its craft, the company has ceased to trade and has brought in an agency as it enters voluntary liquidatio­n.

The company moved to a new site in Shardlow Road, Alvaston, in the 1980s and continued to trade out of the site until the building was auctioned off in 2019.

The brand then moved to Pontefract Street, off Ascot Drive where it has remained since.

The company told Road.cc on Thursday: “Mercian Cycles Ltd has ceased to trade, and we have instructed an insolvency practition­er to assist us with taking the appropriat­e steps to place the Company into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidatio­n.”

Fans of the much-loved cycle firm were quick to share their thoughts on social media following the announceme­nt.

One Facebook user said: “Deepest condolence­s to all at Mercian.

“Absolutely gutted that we’ve lost another great British business as well as one of the greatest bike makers of all time.”

Another added: “Over the years they had built up a worldwide reputation and many top riders rode a Mercian.

“Their enamel finishes were second to none. It would be great if someone could rescue them.

“Their name and craftsmans­hip will be remembered for many years into the future.

“Good luck to all their former workforce.”

One commenter wrote: “At the end of the day my Mercian is special to me for all the adventures that I have had on it. “And I have a spare Mercian frame and plenty of retro parts to keep it going. It would be sad for Mercian to close down but memories are forever.”