DEALER VISIT
BVM MOTO
Press fast forward to 2021. BVM Moto motorcycles in Stroud, Gloucester sadly went out of business early in 2014, but it was never game over. A long-established company does not lose its customer base overnight, nor the goodwill from the staff that made a business that was once so successful. A change of premises and a new beginning beckoned for long-standing employees Rick Ferrier and John ‘Laurence’ Luff, who were later joined by Craig Talbot. They have stayed within shouting distance of Stroud and have worked very hard and established an all-new company, although they carried the old BVM name over, a name so familiar to trials riders worldwide. Despite the pandemic, they have made a move to expand the business further. On paper, 2021 looks to be a good year as the world wakes up from Covid-19, and the ‘handcuffs’ are off the valued customers to come back into an extended and refurbished showroom. If they get the same positive impression that we did on our visit, you can be sure the music will not be coming from the stereo but from the cash tills, as it’s all systems go at BVM Moto Limited.
With a strong, branded name, BVM Moto Limited moves into 2021 with a pure passion for motorcycle trials, nothing else. Unlike many other motorcycle outlets, the shop is pure trials, just like its three owners who all have their own claim to fame.
Rick Ferrier: Logistics and running of the business.
Winning the Western Centre Championship in 1990 was a treasured moment for Rick. A supported rider for many years, he was a very good national and centre rider on a wide variety of machines. With 33 years of experience at the old BVM, he is more than qualified for his position in the business, having learned the ropes at different levels during that period.
Rick: “It’s no easy task, but the job is made more satisfying by the fact that the majority of my work is based around the trials environment.
The day-to-day office work can become a little mundane, but I also help to support both Laurence and Craig during busy periods. We have been very fortunate that we have achieved so much behind closed doors during Covid-19. Keeping the business functioning has been challenging at times but let’s just hope we can now find a way back to some normality in the trials world.”
John’ Laurence’ Luff: New and used machine sales
Having a few Scottish Six Days Trials finishes under his belt over the years – his last one was in 2010 – he has been a regular trials rider from a very young age. Laurence went into the motorcycle world at BVM as ‘the Saturday boy’ while still at school and continued with them for 15 years until the new company was formed.
Laurence: “Motorcycle trials have been my life since I left school, and I still have the same passion for the sport now as I did all those years ago. I have seen the highs and lows of the trials market, but I now feel the time is right for trials to attract more riders once again as we come out of the Covid-19 situation.
“We all support one another in our various roles in the shop, which works out well as we all have so much experience in the trials world. Riders have become aware of how much easier and more affordable this slow-speed sport is, and we see a change of trend back to trials, which has to be good for business.”
Craig Talbot: Spares, accessories and clothing
It’s always been a life of motorcycle trials for Craig, and he has seen and been involved with just about everything. Having ridden in most of the major events, including the Scottish Six Days Trial and the Scott, he has also ‘minded’ for many riders right up to FIM World Championship level.
Craig: “Part numbers play a major part in my life. As a time-served joiner, I almost knew how I wanted the ‘new’ extended shop to look and used my woodworking skills to achieve it. All three of us had the input, and it was down to me to deliver. We all wanted a showroom area where you are not restricted on space and one where you can easily look at the clothing and accessories.
“The internet is a wonderful tool, but trials riders, in particular, want to see and feel what they are purchasing. We carry quite a large spares inventory; I know what it’s like when you cannot get the parts you need to go out riding. If we do not have something in stock, we can usually locate it and get it to the customer very quickly.”
WEBSITE: WWW.BVM-MOTO.CO.UK
As we live more and more in the 24/7 society, for the majority of customers ordering over the internet is an effortless way to shop. Many trials riders work during the day, and it’s now also commonplace for people to work Saturdays, so the internet allows them to shop when it suits them. Many orders are placed out of working hours and in the evening, which BVM can pick up first thing in the morning and usually have out the same day for delivery. This shopping method is fine, although many customers also value a shop that is more than just about sales.
The website selection is huge and needs to work well for the buying customer, and on our online check, it was excellent with an easy-tonavigate site; we did also actually buy something after our visit.
IN-STORE
We moved into the new premises in 2014 before expanding in 2020. With easy motorway access from the M5 motorway, it’s around a 20-minute drive to BVM at Woodchester, just off the main A46 Stroud to Nailsworth road.
Trials riders like to come into any shop with technical enquiries, and that’s what the three experienced riders in Rick, Lawrence and Craig can offer; not everyone wants to talk over the telephone or go on the internet.
From clutch baskets to wheel bearings to engine spares, they are happy to supply and advise everyone. Even if it’s just to talk about tyre pressures, they are here to help; the shop can also offer workshop facilities.
IN-STOCK
Maintaining standards of service that the customers have previously enjoyed, be it from the website or in-store, is what BVM is about. You can always find a good selection of used machines in stock, prepared and ready to ride. Repeat customers speak volumes for the level of service provided, and new faces are always welcome.
Spares, consumables, clothing and equipment are in easy reach, and by speaking with the experienced staff, you can make sure that you make the right purchase for you from the wide selection of all the major brands.
This shop is also very keen to be involved in the growing twin-shock, Retro and the Pre-65 scenes, with many parts available off the shelf to suit the older machines along with the parts to keep the classic machines in good running order.
Refurbished premises, and the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions, has given everyone at the shop a new motivation, and they are totally trials focused, relishing the opportunity to move the business forward with customer service the number one priority. They are taking shape rapidly and are open for business, so why not either take a visit or view the website for all your trials needs 24/7.