Queen Alexandra College (QAC), a local charity for disabled people – whose history in Birmingham stretches back to 1846 – has submitted plans to open a new business in Bearwood.

The venture will see their existing bicycle sales and repair business, iCycle, move from Harborne to sit alongside a new café which will provide locals with a great cup of coffee and a range of tasty light meals and snacks.

The business will operate as a social enterprise providing young people with disabilities a chance to train as café staff, cycle mechanics, retail assistants and learn business skills. The overall project is working to increase the number of young disabled people in employment.

Richard Marshall, from the Traders Association, who has provided encouragement and support from the start, is enthusiastic about the project which will bring new customers, new opportunities and new business to the area.

Ray Piggott, Director of Business Development for QAC said “every year QAC helps many young people with disabilities to move towards employment and gain greater independence, becoming more economically active and reducing dependency on benefits. This project aims to make a real difference, but just as importantly to bring our successful cycles business and a new café to Bearwood.  Subject to planning permission, both businesses will be trading by March next year.”

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