I’ve spoken on many occasions about our approach to community engagement and how we’re committed to championing regional initiatives that share our own business principles and values. I’d like to expand on that theme in this month’s blog.

Sport is in our blood here at Nicofe and we’re involved at a local level with many clubs and activities that thrive on competitive spirit, promote the ethos of teamwork, support healthy lifestyles and help young people to achieve more. Whether it’s with individuals, teams or clubs, we aim to make a positive difference wherever we can.

Most recently, our relationship with Halesowen Cycling Academy is encouraging junior and under-23 riders to pursue their ambitions in road cycling. With the 2026 season drawing to a close, the last two years have seen the Academy’s teams compete very successfully in a full calendar of events in the UK and abroad, (I’ll be reporting on the 2026 season in more detail in a later update). Our sponsorship delivers assistance in areas such as coaching, nutrition, clothing and travel so that all riders are better equipped to realise their potential.

Originally, Nicofe’s sponsorship of the Academy was scheduled for a three-year period until December 2027. However, we’re excited to announce we’ve just agreed a new longer-term package of support that runs to the end of 2031 and will provide substantial benefits for all Academy riders. From 2028 we’ll be increasing our annual financial contribution by more than 60% and we’ll also be offering a bursary to a talented rider, selected by the coaches, who can use this extra financial assistance to help transition to professional or semi-professional level.

In addition, other activities are being planned to support the Academy throughout the year. For example, we’re producing a special edition of our lens cloth for riders from all teams to use with their cycling glasses. The cloth illustrates the link between our materials, cycling and the main hi-tech industry sectors we serve in graphic detail – and it also helps everyone get under the skin of our very specialist business. The lens cloths will be given away free during the season to anyone that would like one, (including our customers, of course!).

Our commitment to supporting the Academy goes way beyond CSR – it helps to define our approach to business. You can keep up to speed with all the important races and activity here on the community pages of our site. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me directly if you’re interested to learn more about our involvement with the Academy, cycling, sport or the community in general. Likewise, as always, please get in touch with any questions about our materials and support services, or with any order enquiries and I’ll do my best to help!