A NEW range of products developed in East Lancashire which will help give street cred to city cyclists was being launched today.

Carradice, based in Nelson, has designed a new range to be unveiled at a major industry exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham. The range includes the Bike Bureau, a cycle bag designed to look like a professional briefcase.

The new products were developed after Carradice, one of the industry's longest surviving companies, was introduced to Ellis Pitt, design counsellor for Business Link East Lancashire.

The firm also worked with Northern Technologies in Nelson to undertake market research for the new range.

Product design engineer Paul Holdsworth helped the firm develop a new quick release system for the luggage.

The research found that cyclists were looking for a product range that provided a practical luggage system but was also designed to look good on or off the bike.

"Usually this type of product is dominated by overseas suppliers and this new and creative innovation range is expected to expand both the home and export markets for Carradice," said Ellis Pitt.

The firm has launched a new 16 page full colour brochure for the new range.

David Chadwick, managing director, said the help received from Business Link and Northern Technologies was invaluable.

" Ellis and Paul have been the driving force behind this project. Their ability to look at the company and advise without being influenced by previous policy has been invaluable."

Carradice expects turnover to increase by 20 per cent thanks to the new range.

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