Eco-minded businesses across Bristol are signing up for the city’s new carbon-friendly gas and heating maintenance service, with plumbers on electric bikes.
Last month saw the launch of nippychecks – a fully electric service which will see a team of engineers riding to properties and businesses to maintain boilers, central heating and electrical systems and appliances.
The innovative service is already making waves in Bristol, with like-minded businesses jumping on board to adopt the service.
Among them are lifestyle brand Spoke & Stringer, which operates out of three sites in Whiteladies Road, the Harbourside off Anchor Road and on Temple Quay, selling food, coffee, surf kit and clothing.
The company’s founder Kristian Crews said: “Sustainably sourcing our food, coffee and products is a major part of what we do. So when we saw nippychecks launching we thought how well it reflected our values.
“Hopefully many more service providers are going to follow suit in terms of creating eco-friendly ways of managing and maintaining Bristol’s property and facilities. What businesses need from the service industry is affordability and reliability, and nippychecks ticks both of those boxes.
“Cargo bikes are the perfect method of transport for small in-and-out jobs, so nippychecks will certainly be first plumbing service we call on in future.”
The new venture comes after a £24,000 investment in two new cargo bikes by South Gloucestershire business West Country Heating and Plumbing (WCHP).
With a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 15 mph, the bikes are cycle lane permitted and can carry up to 150kg of cargo – easily enough for a toolbox and spare boiler parts.
Sam Blakeney, managing director of nippychecks and WCHP, said he was delighted with the initial attention that nippychecks was already receiving.
“We went big and bold on the branding and wanted to make an impact in the city, but I’m still surprised about how much of an influence we’re having,” he said.
“We’re happy to support Kristian and Spoke & Stringer, and we’ve had many other businesses – from lettings agents to plumbing parts wholesalers – commenting on the service and how innovative they think it is.
“It’s a great start and we’re going to carry on our emissions mission, to cut congestion and improve air quality in Bristol by providing a service free from the constraints of traffic problems.
“Of course our service is cost-effective and ethical, too, so we’re expecting many more businesses to come on board over the coming weeks and months. Go Nippy!”
