When I was working we allowed people to buy a bike from anywhere, but I believe the vendor had to be a member of the "cycle to work scheme" or something similar. It's a couple of years soince I was at work, and I can't recall all the details, but seem to remember there are some issues surrounding the VAT status of bikes purchased from other EU states, where this scheme may not be recognised. Mind you, I could be wrong. I was going to buy a new bike through the scheme, but was then offered a golden handshake..................