A BICYCLE firm is shifting up the gears to secure international expansion.

Pedibal is targeting new overseas links after gaining work in Denmark, Norway, France and the Netherlands.

The business, founded when director Joe Mulcahy wanted a balance bike for his grandson, produces lightweight aluminium crossover cycles, and is being supported by the Department of International Trade North-East (DIT).

Mr Mulcahy works from his home in Chester-le-Street, with the bikes made in China and distributed from a warehouse in Washington, Wearside.

He hopes to increase sales by £40,000 this year, which should create a new job, and has already launched a website, developed alongside DIT, to support its international growth.

Mr Mulcahy said: “My grandson has dyspraxia and has a few issues with his balance and co-ordination.

“I could find the balance bikes for little kiddies, but couldn’t get a bigger, lightframed one for my grandson, who was sixand- a-half at the time, until I discovered this chap who sold a lightweight large version in the US and I bought one.

“He went from being unconfident and clumsy to flying down the sides of steep hills in less than an hour.

“The change in him was incredible, I even had a call from his headteacher to ask what I was doing differently because his whole demeanour had changed.

“The new bike looked cool too, so he went from being a bit of a target to being the coolest kid on the street.”

Mr Mulcahy began importing bikes from a US supplier and selling to schools and the domestic market.

Using his engineering design background, and with support from son Garry, Mr Mulcahy developed bikes to encompass all facets of learning to ride.

He added: “The opportunities for these bikes are limitless.

“Schools are seeing the benefits of them and interest has been incredibly high, but no matter how big we get, we are still focused on customer service.”