The End of a Chapter – and the Start of Something New
There are moments in the life of every small business when things change. For VeloRunner, this is one of those moments.
At the end of September, Simon will be leaving us and bringing his time at VeloRunner to a close. We are genuinely sorry to see him go, but we are also grateful for everything he has contributed while he has been part of the business.
Simon has played an important role in the VeloRunner story for around 14 years—and, in true VeloRunner fashion, it all began on a bike. He was recruited during one of the many Sunday rides we shared, long before either of us could have known just how much road we would go on to cover together.
Since then, many of you will have come to know Simon through the workshop, conversations in the shop or simply as one of the familiar faces behind the counter. Fourteen years is a significant part of any small business's journey, and his knowledge, hard work and commitment have been appreciated by us and by the many customers he has helped along the way.
Running an independent bike and running shop is about much more than the products on the shelves. It is about the people, the conversations, the repairs that keep a much-loved bike going and the advice that helps somebody take their first step into riding or running. Simon has been part of all of that, and we would like to thank him sincerely and wish him every success and happiness in whatever comes next.
A Time of Change
When somebody who has been an important part of a small team moves on, it naturally creates a period of change. It would have been easy for us simply to try to replace Simon like for like and carry on exactly as before.
Instead, we have taken the opportunity to stop, think and consider what the next version of VeloRunner should look like.
The retail world has changed considerably, and independent shops have to keep adapting. But the things that matter most to us have not changed: honest advice, good service, proper workshop support and a genuine love of cycling, running and the outdoors.
Those principles will remain at the heart of VeloRunner.
The Next Chapter
As one chapter closes, another begins—and we are delighted to welcome Jon to the VeloRunner team. Jon has a long background in cycling and will already be a familiar face to many of you. He brings with him a wealth of experience, a real understanding of bikes and the same enthusiasm for cycling that has always been at the heart of VeloRunner.
Joining Jon in the workshop is Carragher, our apprentice from right here in Stone. It is great to be able to give a young local person the opportunity to learn, develop his skills and become part of the future of an independent business in his own community.
I will also be taking a more hands-on role in the day-to-day running of the shop. Together, we are looking forward to building a new team that combines experience, fresh energy and a genuine passion for cycling, running and the outdoors.
The faces may change, but what VeloRunner stands for will not. We will continue offering honest advice, quality servicing and repairs, carefully chosen bikes, running shoes and equipment, and the friendly, personal service our customers have come to expect. We will still be here to talk bikes, running, routes, rides and the next adventure.
There may be a few adjustments while the new team settles into its rhythm, and we appreciate your patience and support during that time. As always, booking workshop jobs in advance will help us give every bike the time and attention it deserves.
Thank You
VeloRunner has never just been a shop. It has been shaped by the people who have worked here and by every customer who has chosen to support a local independent business.
So, first and foremost, thank you to Simon. We are grateful for the part you have played in our journey, and you leave with our very best wishes for the future.
And thank you to all our customers, friends, riders and runners for continuing to support us. Your custom, recommendations, conversations and encouragement are what allow VeloRunner to keep moving forward.
One chapter is coming to an end, but the VeloRunner story is far from finished.
The next one is just beginning.
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