Leeds bicycle delivery service is on the right track

An eco-friendly delivery service in Leeds is on a roll after launching on the first day of the coronavirus lockdown.

Dabble launched the same day the government announced the lockdown to combat COVID:19. The company use bicycles to provide a delivery service for a range of shops around Chapel Allerton, enabling customers to continue supporting local businesses even if they can’t physically reach their premises. The aim is to provide customers with a weekly shop from a range of local shops.

Dabble managing director Sam Leather said: “We've been planning the business since last year, but we pushed the launch forward because of the current demand for home delivery. During these uncertain times, we feel we can provide a vital service to the community and support local businesses at a time when they really need it. We have a captive audience and hopefully they will continue to use our services in the future when the world eventually returns to normal.”

Dabble was founded by Sam and Joe Clough, who were inspired by the bustling community of the High Street in Chapel Allerton.

Shops can list their products on Dabble’s website, and the firm will organise the delivery. Sam said: “We can take away that hassle and business owners can spend more time on developing their products. It’s great that we can help companies reach customers they wouldn’t usually be able to reach.”

Sam believes the service Dabble provide can help reduce unnecessary journeys and help people who are vulnerable or self-isolating. “People in the area are looking to make a positive step. We had a customer who said he is happy to pay more for delivery as he sees the benefit to the environment as well as the convenience.”

Sam and Joe eventually want to be able to roll the service out further. “We are hoping that we can support more shops and establish ourselves in other parts of North Leeds,” Sam added. “Long-term, we hope to work with farmers to help Leeds become a more self-sufficient city.”

With the support of Leeds Beckett University and AD:VENTURE, a business support programme for new businesses in North and West Yorkshire funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Sam and Joe have benefited from masterclasses in sales and marketing and met likeminded entrepreneurs.

“I studied business at university, so the free masterclasses were a brilliant refresher and it was great to be around other businesspeople,” Sam said.

“To anyone who is looking for business support, I’d definitely recommend AD:VENTURE. It's an amazing support network and can open up opportunity right on your doorstep.”

Kirstie Frenneaux, Project Manager at Leeds Beckett University, said: “It’s great to see a small business like Dabble providing a vital service to their community in these challenging times. It’s more important than ever that services like this are available and I fully expect that Dabble will continue to expand and thrive when the pandemic is over.

“This is a great example of the effect that the support we provide in partnership with AD:VENTURE can have on exciting new businesses in Leeds.”

For more information on AD:VENTURE go to https://ad-venture.org.uk/