mike parsons at first tracks programme

First Tracks success for cycling and outdoor sector entrepreneurs

The UK’s first dedicated incubator programme for entrepreneurs in the cycling and outdoor sectors has been hailed a success by its participants.

Twenty people completed the First Tracks course, which was based in the South of Scotland and designed to help new start-ups or existing businesses to develop a new product or service.

It combined expert business guidance with industry-specific insights to help participants bring their ideas to life.

The success of the first programme means there are now plans being developed to bring First Tracks back in 2026 by organisers:

Programme highlights

  • A session with Mike Parsons, outdoor gear expert and the founder of Karrimor and OMM brands
  • Meet the Mentor session involving highly respected business and industry experts.  

Topics covered by First Tracks included cycling focused branding and gravel riding trends, through to regulation and compliance, all of which aimed to help participants take forward their innovate business ideas and new products.

Female participation

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, females made up almost half the First Tracks participants, building on the success of last year’s Empowering Women in the Bike Industry event at Glentress, which DMBinS and SOSE supported.

One of the First Tracks participants, Ruth Sutherland of Lauder argi-tourism business Hillhouse, said:

“Joining First Tracks was a brilliant move for us.

“We started the course with a thousand ideas for our business but no plan.

“Eight weeks later, we have focussed our thinking to the point that we now have a clear plan to take us right through to launch. It has been a real turning point for our new venture.”

Another First Track entrepreneur, Sue Hodgson, who is based in Dumfries & Galloway, added:

“My goal is to improve the safety and style of bicycle accessories and my project took a giant leap forward thanks to the help of the First Tracks.”

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, added:

“First Tracks is another example of how SOSE is working to support entrepreneurs, and for the first time this focussed on the cycling and outdoor sectors.

“First Tracks also aligns with our work on the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, the South of Scotland Cycling Strategy, and our commitment to collaborate to deliver innovative support ahead of the Centre opening.

“We will be introducing more innovative opportunities in this and other new sectors.”

Ed Ibbetson, DMBinS Development Co-ordinator for the Scottish Borders, said:

“The design and delivery of First Tracks enabled us to support businesses taking their first steps into the mountain biking and outdoors sectors.

“We were able share some of the extensive collective knowledge from collaborative partners and guest speakers.

“We have already seen our entrepreneurs taking great strides forward with their new businesses and we look forward to providing ongoing support ahead of the next round of First Tracks for a fresh cohort.”

Pete McLean, Enterprise Manager at Bright Red Triangle, said:

“It has been fantastic to deliver the First Tracks programme alongside SOSE and DMBinS. 

“Working with innovative businesses from across the UK who are shaping the future of cycling and outdoor experiences has been truly inspiring.

“The energy, creativity, and collaboration throughout the programme has been a real highlight — and we’re proud to continue supporting many of these businesses on their journey.”