Keeping positive and adapting in difficult times

As the lockdown extends into February, and possibly beyond, we’re remaining positive and adapting the way we do business in these strange times.

We learned a lot from the first lockdown last year, and being flexible to help customers as much as we can, but please be patient until we return to some normality.

Director Rob Walters said: “We’re still doing a lot of internet sales of parts and accessories and selling bikes online.

“If we can help customers, and make it work, we’ll do everything we can within reason. The vast majority of customers understand we’re running on a skeleton crew.

“Please try and be patient because it’s difficult running a business under these restrictions.”

It’s not helped by some parts and accessories being delayed due to a combination of new Brexit regulations and coronavirus restrictions.

Used bikes are being delivered north, south, east and west with van runs including Aberdeen and Dundee, Cornwall and Dorset, Liverpool, Barry Island and Wales and Norwich. And there are also regular trips to the Midlands.

The workshop is keeping busy too. We only have two technicians in the workshop at any time, to keep them distanced, plus manning service reception.

“We’re making a great effort to extend our local pick-up and delivery service for motorbikes to save people having to turn out in the bad weather or if they’re isolating.”

There’s only one member of the sales team in each day to deal with calls and online inquiries.

“We’re rotating the staff so they don’t come into contact with each other,” Rob explained. “We’re also keeping screens up at all the desks and using separate toilets for different areas of the business.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep everyone in their little bubbles inside and minimise contact with each other.”

It’s a strange, but essential, way of doing business but the latest lockdown could have been worse.

Rob is philosophical about the situation. The latest lockdown has closed the showroom to customers but the workshop has remained open this time and more business is being done online.

“When we went into the first lockdown last year, it was the end of March and extended into April and May - traditionally our busiest time of the year - we thought things were really bad.

“But having got through that, we learned a lot and thought about how to work behind closed doors, remotely and over the internet. Now, being in lockdown at the quietest time of the year is not too bad,” he said.

“But, if it goes into March, April, May and June again we’ll just have to adapt further, be flexible and cope with the situation as best we can.”

One thing will not change though. And that’s our five-star customer service.