A CYCLE parts company could double in size to capitalise on its growing successes, bosses have revealed.

Zyro, in Darlington, told The Northern Echo it has capacity to increase its operations after a strong first year in the town.

The firm operates as the UK’s largest privately-owned bicycle parts and accessories distributor, overseeing 30 brands, including its Altura clothing range.

It previously spent £3m on moving into a 100,000sq ft site in Darlington’s Faverdale area, and has since increased its workforce from about 80 to 150 people.

However, Julie Ellison, who founded the business in 1995 with husband Simon, when it had six staff, said it was ready to expand again.

She said: “We have a five-year plan, and can double the size of the business if we need to.

“We have gone from 80 people to 150 people by coming here and our turnover is now at £35m.

“When you come into a new area, it is all about investing in that area, be it through jobs or local businesses.”

Zyro was previously based across sites in North Yorkshire, including premises in Thirsk.

However, its new base, in the Faverdale area of Darlington, is almost three times the size of its Thirsk operation, and Mrs Ellison, managing director, said that gave it great scope to add to its workforce, which remains loyal to the firm.

She added: “We have a number of people who have been with us for a long time, and there are a lot that still travel to come and work here.

“Our staff are great and have a real can-do attitude.

“Both Simon and I are also still heavily involved too.

“We enjoy doing it; this is part of our lives.”

Zyro previously benefited from the region’s fever for cycling, playing a key role in last year’s Tour de France Grand Depart in Yorkshire, with its Altura brand designing the official jersey for the celebration.

See next week’s Jobs and Business for an in-depth look at Zyro