The right employee benefits can help tackle all of these, which is why a cycle to work scheme for manufacturing companies is becoming an increasingly popular benefit among employers and employees alike.

With the Cyclescheme cycle to work scheme, not only can manufacturing employees save money on the cost of a new bike and cycling equipment, but employers can also save through Employer National Insurance Contributions. This makes it a cost positive benefit for all, whilst also supporting sustainability and the wellbeing of your workers.

So, read on to find out how manufacturing organisations are using this highly popular employee benefit to create happier, healthier and more productive workforces.

What is a cycle to work scheme for manufacturing companies?

A cycle to work scheme allows employees to obtain a bike and cycling equipment for commuting purposes through their employer. Employees choose a bike package that suits their commute, and the employer pays for the package upfront. Then the employee repays the cost through salary sacrifice over an agreed period.

Because repayments are taken from gross salary before tax and National Insurance deductions, employees can save up to 47%. Meanwhile, employers earn potential savings of up to 13.8% on Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

The scheme is government-backed, simple to administer and available to manufacturing businesses of all sizes. Whether you operate a production facility, warehouse, engineering workshop or distribution centre, the Cyclescheme cycle to work scheme for contractors and manufacturing employees makes cycling to work more affordable for your people.

Why manufacturing companies are a natural fit for Cyclescheme

Many manufacturing employees live within practical cycling distance of their workplace. Industrial estates, business parks, production sites and logistics hubs are often located close to residential communities. That makes cycling a realistic commuting option for many workers.

Reliable commuting for shift workers

Manufacturing work includes rotating shifts with early starts and late nights, which means working hours in this industry rarely follow a standard nine-to-five schedule. Because of this, public transport is not always available when employees need it the most.

Cycling gives workers greater flexibility and control over their commute. No waiting for delayed buses and cramming onto packed trains, and no expensive parking fees building up over long shifts.

Supporting employee wellbeing

Manufacturing depends on people performing at their best. Cyclescheme's own participant research found that 82% of riders felt less stressed after cycling to work.

This is highly valuable in the manufacturing industry, where focus is essential and mistakes can be costly if not outright dangerous and harmful. A healthier commute often contributes to a healthier workforce.

Helping with sustainability goals

Manufacturing businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate progress against ESG and sustainability objectives. And, as 31% of net greenhouse gas emissions in the UK in 2025 were from domestic transport, more sustainable travel is of great importance.

Encouraging active commuting with a cycle to work scheme for manufacturing companies can help reduce employee travel emissions while supporting wider environmental goals.

The business benefits of a cycle to work scheme for manufacturing companies

Using a cycle to work scheme for contractors and manufacturing employees comes with a range of additional benefits for employers themselves.

Tax savings through NIC

Cyclescheme is free to join. There are no setup costs or subscription fees, and no hidden charges for your business. And, as mentioned above, you can save up to 13.8% on employers’ NICs. Those tax savings can add up quickly, especially across a larger workforce.

Strengthen recruitment and retention

Manufacturing skills remain in high demand across the UK. Candidates increasingly compare employee benefits when choosing between employers. Offering Cyclescheme demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, financial support and sustainable travel, which will help you attract and retain top manufacturing talent.

Support workplace wellbeing

Employees who cycle to work often report feeling more energised and less stressed. That can contribute to a more positive workplace culture and improved employee engagement, which matters a great deal in manufacturing roles where focus and commitment are essential for health and safety.

Minimal administration

Cyclescheme is designed to be easy to manage for any admin and HR team. The platform handles applications, certificates and ownership processes, while your role is simply to review and approve requests.

How manufacturing employees benefit from Cyclescheme

We’ve already mentioned how employees can save up to 47% on a new bike, cycling safety equipment and accessories, but the benefits don’t stop there.

Spread the cost with salary sacrifice

The reason employees can save so much is because they spread payments over time through affordable monthly salary sacrifice deductions. This means they get the bike and cycling safety equipment they want without any major upfront costs.

Choose from more than 2,600 retailers

Cyclescheme offers access to more retailers and bike shops than any other scheme provider. Employees can shop online, in-store, through local independent bike shops or directly from participating brands, giving them a huge range of choice.

Access e-bikes and accessories

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular among commuters. They help make longer journeys, hilly routes and physically demanding commutes more accessible and less tiring. This is a huge benefit for manufacturing employees, who often work long shifts and need to feel energised when they arrive at work.

Exclusive extras

Participants can access 14 days of free bike insurance, discounts and additional employee benefits through BHN Extras.

How Cyclescheme works

Joining Cyclescheme is straightforward.

1. Step 1: Register your business
   Sign up online. Registration typically takes around five minutes.
2. Step 2: Complete setup
   Our team helps you complete the simple onboarding process.
3. Step 3: Employees apply
   Employees choose their preferred bike package and submit a request.
4. Step 4: Employer approval
   You review the request and approve it.
5. Step 5: Employees collect their equipment
   Employees receive their certificate and redeem it with a participating retailer or bike shop.
6. Step 6: Ownership made easy
   Once salary sacrifice repayments are complete, Cyclescheme manages the ownership process, making ownership of the cycling equipment a simple matter.

Why manufacturing employers choose Cyclescheme

There are many reasons why Cyclescheme is a popular cycle to work scheme for manufacturing companies. For more than 20 years, Cyclescheme has helped employees make cycling to work affordable, which is reinforced by how:

• We're trusted by over 50,000 employers.
• We've supported more than 1.2 million participants.
• We work with over 2,600 retailers and bike shops nationwide.
• We help more adults cycle to work than any other provider in the UK.

Most importantly, we make it easy for manufacturing employers to offer a benefit that employees genuinely value.