When Liam Harrison launched Pedals Couriers in Dunedin in 2022, he wasn't just starting a business, he was offering a smarter way to move. His idea was as simple as it was revolutionary: same-day, urgent courier deliveries via electric cargo bikes. With the city gridlocked by roadworks and bracing for the upheaval of a new hospital development, Liam saw an opportunity to do things differently.
What started as a bold idea to deliver packages differently has grown into a bustling courier service, now with a team of six and a 60% increase in revenue in just 12 months. And behind the scenes? A Business Mentor who helped steer the handlebars.
A bike-powered business with big plans
Pedals Couriers was born out of necessity. Traditional courier services were struggling in Dunedin's city centre, with delays becoming the norm. Liam knew bikes could offer a better solution, not just for beating the traffic, but for promoting a more sustainable and community-oriented way of doing business.
"Bikes are such a practical way to get around urban spaces," Liam says. "We're supporting local businesses by helping them connect with their customers in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way."
From Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, Pedals riders zip between St Clair and North East Valley, delivering packages large and small. With a custom online platform that routes orders directly to riders without needing a dispatcher, the service is streamlined, modern, and community-driven. Even bulky deliveries are no problem! Pedals' cargo bikes can handle up to 90kg, and if a parcel takes more than one trip, there's no extra fee.
But Liam wasn't content with just revolutionising delivery in Dunedin. His ambitions were bigger: to take Pedals national through franchising.
The power of a fresh perspective
As Pedals grew, Liam reached a point where he needed external guidance from someone who had been there before and could offer real-world insights on scaling a business through franchising. That's when he discovered Business Mentors New Zealand.
"I was looking for someone who had experience implementing a franchise," Liam says. "Someone who could help me sense-check ideas and provide advice grounded in reality."
He was matched with a Mentor who brought a calm, experienced perspective to their informal catch-ups. For Liam, those conversations were more than just updates, they became vital thinking space.
"Having that regular time to throw around ideas, get a different perspective, and just hear, 'Hey, that's not as crazy as you think', that made a big difference," Liam reflects. "
Weathering a tough economy
When Liam began working with a Mentor, the country was heading into an economic downturn. Rather than jumping straight into national franchising, the focus shifted to building resilience, reviewing pricing, and strengthening Pedals’ foundations.
“We didn’t move as fast on the franchise side as I initially hoped,” Liam admits. “But what we did do was incredibly valuable. We reassessed our pricing, introduced strategic increases, and ensured the business was viable for the long term.”
Throughout it all, Liam found more than just support — he found clarity. Guided by thoughtful questioning and strategic insight, he was challenged to ask the tough questions: What do customers really want? Which risks are worth taking? How do you communicate change effectively?
Mentorship gave Liam the space to reflect, test ideas, and move forward with greater confidence. With the right guidance, decisions felt more grounded, and opportunities became clearer, reinforcing the value of having someone experienced to bounce ideas off.
Results on the road
The numbers speak for themselves. In the 12 months of working with a Mentor, Pedals' monthly revenue grew by 60%. The team expanded from just Liam and one part-timer to a crew of six, and customer accounts climbed steadily, despite the tough economic backdrop.
"It's been a year of growth, learning, and a few growing pains too," Liam laughs. "But looking back, I'm really proud of what we've achieved."
Now, Pedals is preparing for its next big move: expanding its service area to include Kaikorai Valley, home to many of Dunedin's manufacturing and wholesale businesses. It's a natural step forward, and one that aligns with Pedals' goal of helping even more local businesses reach their customers.
Looking beyond Dunedin
The vision for Pedals is still national. Liam remains committed to franchising the model in other cities, but he's more thoughtful now about how and when to grow.
"Every city is different," he explains. "The key is finding the right place that is physically suitable for bikes, and the right people who believe in the model."
He knows the journey won't be straightforward, but with the right foundations and the lessons he's learned through mentorship, Liam feels ready to take on the challenge.
Advice from the saddle
For Liam, mentorship was more than just helpful, it was transformative. He encourages other business owners to put their egos aside and seek out support.
"If you're looking to grow or adapt your business, don't undervalue a second opinion—especially from someone who's walked the path before you," he advises. "Ask the dumb questions. Be honest about what's working and what's not."
One of the biggest lessons Liam took away? Customers are more willing to have honest conversations than you might think.
"I used to be nervous about changing our pricing or services," he says. "But our customers have been incredibly supportive when we explain the 'why'. That's something I wish I'd realised earlier."
The road ahead
Pedals Couriers is still, in many ways, at the start of its journey. But with strong roots in Dunedin, a proven model, and a founder who's willing to seek help, adapt, and grow, the future looks bright.
Liam sums it up best: "My Mentor was very supportive and instructive while we went through the growing pains of being a new operation. I'm grateful for the guidance and for having someone in my corner."
With pedal power and mentorship behind him, Liam's not just delivering parcels, he's delivering on a vision for smarter, greener urban logistics across Aotearoa.
