Cycling culture helps to keep Apteco's workforce healthy and productive

Warwick-based software developer Apteco has been named as Warwickshire’s most cycle-friendly business.

Apteco gained the accolade after entering a search to find companies who encourage a cycling culture throughout the workforce.

The business, which specialises in marketing data analysis and automation solutions, fosters an active environment. Apteco’s team make daily use of a purpose-built brick bike shed, complete with cycle hangers, and a dedicated locker room fitted with storage and showers.

Their in-house bike-to-work scheme has been organised in partnership with Leamington bike shop John Atkins Cycles. The scheme is managed internally and has been running since 2009, encouraging employees to get in the saddle for their daily commute.

They also have strong links with local clubs such as Warwickshire Amateur Cycling Club, Warwick Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club, and Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club, taking part in regular charity rides and events.

After fending off other contenders for the top prize, their commendable efforts saw them rewarded with special VIP access to the finish of the Warwickshire stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.

Matthew Maltby, IT Manager at Apteco, is the leader of the cycling pack in the office and he spoke about seeing Andre Greipel take the Stage 4 crown in Leamington.

“Though it was all a blur when the cyclists arrived at the finish, we got some great views of the competition as it came into Leamington. I loved it,” said Matthew. “Our colleagues back at the office also caught a glimpse of the action – the route took cyclists right past the front door of our office.

“We’re very lucky because the Women’s Tour also comes through here, so we’re always out on the street showing our support for that.”

He spoke about some of the other things they get up to throughout the year: “Privately, we have our own Strava Cycling Club for a bit of internal, friendly competition.

“Once a week throughout the summer, there is a bike ride after work for employees and their friends and family. We even have an annual road ride where a customer comes to join some of the team after work for a road ride with a beer stop along the way.”

Matthew added that the team are always looking to get involved in sporting events and not just cycling - technology director Robert Downs is a top-100 finisher of the Virgin London Marathon.

“We have great links with the local community. With everything we have going on, it’s a pretty full on schedule,” he said. “Our employees regularly mention how much more alert and fresher they are whenever they start cycling to work, and it eases the frustration of sitting in traffic. We now have 22 out of 42 employees who cycle one way or another, whether that’s commuting or recreational.”

With people often discouraged by a lack of facilities to cycle long-distance to work, Matthew suggested that it’s a worthwhile project for companies to undertake,

“I know other businesses would like to get involved but a lot of the time either the infrastructure simply isn’t there, or people don’t feel comfortable in making use of them," he said. “It can be a big workout if you have a long way to travel, so showers and changing rooms can alleviate some of those problems.

“I think if other businesses thought about putting good facilities in place for their employees to use, or improving the ones they have, then more people might consider cycling to work. It’s easier when a lot of your colleagues do the same thing.”