BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Former Orbea UK head Damian Hackett and former DF Capital and EMTAC Commercial Director, David Hardy, have announced the public launch of Last Mile Consulting.
This new consultancy will provide bespoke financial solutions to UK businesses. The firm launches with a specific focus on the cycling sector, aiming to address the unique financial pain points that have long been misunderstood by legacy financial providers.
The UK cycling industry, from manufacturers and distributors to independent bike shops, often faces distinct challenges related to seasonal cash flow, inventory management, and capital for expansion. Last Mile Consulting is positioned to tackle these issues head-on by providing deep sector-specific expertise and helping refine and support the credit case for the lenders.
To deliver robust and scalable financial products, Hackett is partnering with David Hardy, a seasoned expert with a long and successful career in deploying and growing financial businesses. This partnership combines intimate industry knowledge with proven financial acumen to offer vital working capital, asset leasing, and other innovative financial tools that are fit for purpose.
Having been immersed in the cycling industry for more than 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how businesses in the cycle sector, while passionate and innovative, are often held back by rigid financial structures that simply don’t fit their business model.
Our goal is to be more than just a provider; we want to be a genuine partner. We understand the seasonal peaks and troughs, the supply chain pressures, and the investment needed to thrive. We’re incredibly excited to bring solutions to the table that can make a real difference – Damian Hackett, Founder of Last Mile Consulting.
David Hardy commented: “The cycling industry represents a dynamic and growing market, yet it has been historically underserved by the financial sector. By combining Damian’s industry knowledge with my own experience in building scalable financial solutions, we can offer truly effective tools. We are not just offering generic loans; we are building financial frameworks that support sustainable growth for these businesses.”
To mark its launch, Last Mile Consulting is immediately rolling out a campaign specifically for the cycling sector focused on VAT loans. This initiative is designed to help businesses manage their quarterly VAT payments, a common pressure point that can strain cash flow. By providing timely finance to cover these liabilities, Last Mile Consulting aims to free up essential working capital for stock, staff, and growth.
Businesses in the cycling industry are encouraged to visit the Last Mile Consulting website to learn more about the firm’s services and the specific details of the VAT loan campaign.
