M&P Sold...

[Alan PBTD]

Some might of seen this but it's quite the topic down here :

M&P Direct Acquired by ex-Superbike and Grand Prix Motorcycle Racer Peter Graves, backed by an Investment Group.
M&P Direct, one of the UK’s leading motorcycle dealerships and eCommerce businesses, proudly announces its acquisition by a group of investors led by Peter Graves, an ex-professional motorcycle racer and seasoned Digital and eCommerce entrepreneur.
Peter Graves and the investment team bring a wealth of experience and passion for motorcycling, with plans to propel M&P Direct into an exciting new era. This acquisition marks a commitment to enhancing customer experiences, expanding operations, and embracing modern digital communications.
M&P Direct will continue to be driven by its dedicated team whose expertise and love for motorcycling have always been at the heart of the business. Customers can expect new premises, improved eCommerce services, and a renewed focus on delivering exceptional service and top-quality products. The business includes new motorcycle franchises, a large selection of quality used machines, workshops, outfitters, and massive stocks of spares and accessories for Ecommerce.
Mark Collings (67) the founder and Managing Director for the last 40 years, will continue to serve on the board of M&P. Mark said: We’ve had a challenging few years in common with many in the industry. We’ve seen many friends and competitors fall by the wayside. We wanted to make this change to give M&P the best possible opportunity for the future, and by bringing in this expert new team we can build on what we have and give our loyal employees the best possible prospects for the future.
The investment team includes the following 3 new directors at M&P:
• Peter Graves (Interim CEO), Ex Superbike and BSB Racer, Ecommerce & Digital
• Steve Rooms (CFO) - Chartered Accountant and Entrepreneur
• Ric Wilson (CEO of ERP Experts) – Systems
“We’re thrilled to join the M&P family,” said Peter Graves. “We know how our motorcycling friends have for decades relied on M&P as the most expert and most reliable supplier of bike parts and accessories. We know what a force they have been for the motorcyclists of Wales running these absolutely stunning dealerships. Our goal is to build on the solid foundation already in place, investing in the future while maintaining the legacy and passion that M&P Direct is known for.”
Growth Plans Include:
• Expansion into new, state-of-the-art premises.
• Advanced eCommerce capabilities to enhance online shopping.
• Tech enablement including AI and new back-office systems.
• A focus on delivering memorable motorcycling experiences.
• A busy programme of events and shows during 2025.

[mangocrazy]

M&P have been one of the 'big beasts' of motorcycle spares and aftermarket parts for as long as I can remember. Hopefully the baby won't get thrown out with the bath water...

[Nordboy]

They needed a change there tbh, they're one of my 'local'ish dealers and the way the dealership has been run is a bit shocking. They grew too quickly, taking on massive Cardiff units and expanding the number of brands. Their customer service, especially the servicing and after sales were terrible. I know many people who have bought bikes from them, then received very poor after sales and will now not buy another bike from them.

Hence why they've closed (had removed?) the BMW brand plus some others I think? The clothing and parts side of things has ticked along, and is pretty good to be fair, but the bike side of things just got too big.

The last straw was the cafe closing, bit like Thunderroad, which has now reopened, I haven't been there since the cafes closed. Thunderroad is now re-opening the cafe, strange that?

[weeksy]

I'm obviously out of touch as i don't ride or buy bits, but i assumed they went under about 5 years ago.

[KungFooBob]

As I transitioned from child to bike riding teen, the M&P catalogue replaced Argos' as my most read book

[Mr. Dazzle]

As I transitioned from child to bike riding teen, the M&P catalogue replaced Argos' as my most read book

Same.

Although that said, I also now associate them with stuff which is a bit shit 'cause you can't afford the OEM parts. That's probably unfair

[Count Steer]

I'm obviously out of touch as i don't ride or buy bits, but i assumed they went under about 5 years ago.

Don't think I ever used them, or even saw an actual store. But, similarly, I just found out Hein Gericke (I did use my local one) disappeared in 2012.

[Gregor]

Used them for tyres in recent years because they were cheaper than anywhere else.

[MrLongbeard]

but i assumed they went under about 5 years ago.

Same.

Same.

Although that said, I also now associate them with stuff which is a bit shit 'cause you can't afford the OEM parts. That's probably unfair

Same.

But let me check my emails........ seems I purchased stuff from them through ebay in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2024, all OEM Honda and Harley parts.
I can't ever remember their own website popping up when searching for parts, so may be their own marketing needs some attention

[Skub]

M&P and the other smaller one MPS were the catalogue kings. I still see M&P ebay stuff pop up from a search.

I didn't even know they sold bikes.

[Dickyboy]

Was a student in Swansea in the mid 80's, so pretty sure I was a customer when they first started out & bought some tyres from them earlier this month, quick delivery & good price, so no complaints from me, mind you I didn't know that they'd been a dealer too.

[mangocrazy]

I was completely unaware of their 'bricks and mortar' presence, but they were (and are) pretty ubiquitous on eBay.

[Dodgy69]

Tyre pair deals.

[Bigyin]

I have bought assorted parts and tyres for them mail order over the years and can’t fault the service I had or prices as well.

The service lads at Swansea also helped me out big style when I needed a chain supplied and fitting on a Saturday morning at no notice to get me home.

I remember wandering round the dealership which had an impressive stock of bikes while I waited

[asmethurst99]

Bought some oil and filters last week - noticed the change of ownership.
4 litres of off brand for 13 quid - was 23 last year.
It had gone up agin when I showed it to a mate the next day.

[Alan PBTD]

Harley Dealership gone from 8th March...

Hi everyone, we wanted to update you as to the status of our Harley-Davidson dealership.
You may have already seen that M&P is under new ownership. Due to this change and our planned relocation, Swansea Harley-Davidson® will unfortunately close its doors on Saturday 8th March 2025.
The workshop, spares and sales counters at M&P will continue to function as usual with all the same expert staff, but if you need to get in touch with an Authorised Harley-Davidson dealer, please use the Dealer Locator to find a dealership near you.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/.../too ... ealer.html
We can assure you that we are working hard to potentially re-open a Harley-Davidson dealership in the area as soon as possible. Watch this space!
In the interim period, we hugely value the support of the HOG community (the Black Mountains and Welsh Dragon chapters) and look forward to keeping welcoming you all in our store.
We are hugely grateful to all our customers for your support in the past years and hope to see you soon again.
For now if you have any questions you can address Harley-Davidson® Customer Service on [email protected] or talk to our team on 01792 22 44 44

[weeksy]

That's a pain in the arse for you.

Were you guys out on Sunday (yesterday) down the M4 past Merthyr towards the bridge ? Saw about 20 HDs going east.

[Alan PBTD]

Aye, that was us - first big ride of the season. Went up to the Classic Motor Hub near Cirencester for a bit of a bike meet and then back via Lidney / Chepstow. Was knobblin first thing but managed to get back in time to give the bike a good wash and get all the salt off - before dark. Just under 300 miles round trip.

M&P are definatley going from their present site but rumours flying about who's going in there inc Car Dealerships / Lidils / Swansea Uni etc. They owned the site and still say they're staying in the Swansea area. Fair play to the new MD - he put an open invitation to customers to meet him and have a chat Saturday and did a few bike meet places on Sunday.

If you're about I'm in Blenheim Palace Friday 28th March - organising a escort ride for the charity ''Standing With Giant's'' taking 4 artics to Fort Nelson Portsmouth and then over to the British Normandy Memorial, Normandy for a few days. Should be 150 + bikes going down the A34 / M27....

https://www.standingwithgiants.co.uk/

https://normandy24.co.uk/

ATB.