Global markets and business expansion

Harlow Bikes designs premium electric bicycles in Bristol. Frames are made in Taiwan and assembled in the UK. Sales outside Europe have grown quickly, especially in the USA, where a typical bike costing £800 to make and ship is priced at £1600. Over the last year the pound rose from £1 = $1.25 to £1 = $1.35. Harlow is considering entering India, where cycling is growing in cities and the government offers incentives for electric vehicles. Import tariffs on finished bikes are high. Two options are being considered: a joint venture with an Indian bicycle manufacturer, or building its own assembly plant near Pune. A recent newspaper investigation reported poor working conditions at a battery supplier used by several bike brands, including Harlow. Harlow says it audits its first-tier suppliers but not the companies that supply them.

Context: The UK coffee shop market has more than 25 000 outlets. Large branded chains dominate high streets and motorway services, while independents compete on atmosphere, quality and local identity. Costs have risen sharply: coffee beans, energy, rents and the National Living Wage. Consumers increasingly expect plant-based milks, reusable cups and evidence of ethical sourcing. Many coffee shops have moved into delivery apps and loyalty schemes. Extract E — Beanstalk Coffee: Beanstalk runs 14 cafés in the Midlands. Across the chain it has 600 seats; on average 420 are occupied during opening hours. It employs an average of 140 staff, of whom 35 left during the last year. The National Living Wage rose by 6.7% this year. The owners are considering franchising to expand to 60 outlets in five years. Beanstalk positions itself as a 'neighbourhood café' with locally baked food and community events. Extract F — Grindhouse Ltd: Grindhouse imports green coffee beans from cooperatives in Colombia, roasts them in Manchester and sells to independent cafés in the UK and Europe and online to consumers in 18 countries. Its latest balance sheet shows current assets of £900 000 (including inventories of £300 000) and current liabilities of £600 000. Purchases are paid for in US dollars. The directors are considering opening a roasting plant in Colombia to supply growing markets in the Americas.