Julian House’s Bike Workshop in the centre of Bath has closed its doors for the final time, with the charity citing rising costs and a difficult trading climate.
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The enterprise on Corn Street started in 2011 as a regular series of bicycle-related activities to improve the wellbeing and independence of clients at Julian House.
The charity announced in April that the bike workshop would be closing, and had been providing discounts for a final clearance sale.
The charity will continue to deliver its charitable services for people who are homeless, vulnerable or at-risk across the South West – including rough sleeper outreach, supported accommodation for people recovering from homelessness, refuges and safe houses for people experiencing domestic abuse and prison resettlement accommodation in Bath.
The workshop also hosted the Build-a-Bike scheme, delivering training for Julian House clients with a history of homelessness, offending, substance misuse or long-term unemployment.
Julian House has been vocal about the financial pressures it is facing in a climate of rising costs and public sector budget cuts.
The increase in employer National Insurance contributions has added £165,000 to the charity’s costs this year alone.
This has been intensified at the Bike Workshop by a decline in interest and sales in refurbished bikes, following a boom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On closing the Bike Workshop, the charity plans to focus on delivering other activities that can provide the best outcomes for its clients across the South West.
Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Julian House, said: “We have thought long and hard and concluded that now is the time to close our social enterprise, the Bike Workshop in Bath.
“We are proud of the impact we have had over those years: supporting people recovering from trauma to develop their skills, encouraging people to get out on their bikes and being part of the circular economy in Bath.
‘We would like to thank our committed staff and volunteers who have been the lifeblood of the Bike Workshop, as well as everyone who has supported us by either donating a bike or through their loyal custom.”
