Category: Other

1. Tips for successfully growing your motorcycle repair shop

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 30th Jun 2022

   So long as people choose to ride motorbikes, there will be a need for professionals offering repairs.
   If you own a repair shop, it can be a lucrative business when run correctly. Yet, there is always room for improvement, and if you would like your business to grow, you should consider some of the many options that can help you to expand. This article will cover some top tips for how you can grow your customer base and improve the efficiency of your workshop.

   Tip 1: Ensure your repair shop is organised  
   The more efficient you are, the more profitable your business will be as you can service more motorcycles in a smaller amount of time. Being organised will help to keep tools accessible and easy to find, helping to cut out those aggravating moments when you need to stop working and search for something. One way to keep things tidy and mobile is by using a tool chest on wheels so that you can always have the items you need close by and easily moved around.  

   Tip 2: Update your skills and offer new services
   As new bike models are continuously released onto the market, you will need to keep up to scratch with improved technologies and changes to mechanics. For instance, if you are not trained in sports bikes repairs, you could be losing out on customers that could secure more income for your business. You can improve your skills by regularly attending workshops and training sessions and learning from industry professionals.

   Tip 3: Hire some help
   It might be a good idea to consider expanding your team and hiring someone else to help you out in the repair shop - especially if you have had to turn away potential customers due to not having enough time or resources to do the work. Perhaps an apprentice would be the right fit for your budget? Or you may want to take on someone more experienced? Whatever option you choose, consider the workload you currently have and how quickly you can grow with the resources that are available to you.

   Tip 4: Plan your year
   Motorcycles are seasonal vehicles for many owners, meaning demand for your services, and therefore income, may slow down during certain times of the year - especially winter. Many more people get their bikes out during spring, summer and early autumn. During these warmer months, when there is more business for your shop you should consider extending your opening hours or taking on temporary staff to manage the workload. In the colder months, it may be more worthwhile working on longer-term projects for a select few clients. Another good way to stay ahead of the game is to try and secure work in your pipeline moving into the off-seasons while you are seeing clients regularly.

   Tip 5: Digital presence and marketing for your business
   We live in a digital age where competition is fierce, and many professionals will share content online to increase awareness of their brand. Sharing videos online or creating tailored content aimed at your target audience via a website or social media can be a great way to make a name for yourself and reach a large audience online. Your site and social media channels are also a good place to include customer testimonials that pay tribute to your hard work.

   Owning a business is no easy feat and growing one is even more challenging. If you want to become a well-known name, it’s crucial that you adopt a proactive approach to work and try to improve the quality and range of your services. These five simple tricks should help you to move towards becoming a top player in the industry.
   
   Have fun and good luck!
   
   
   

   article supplied

2. Introducing BenWell – a new wellbeing platform designed for the automotive community

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 29th Jun 2022

   • Ben and Wellonomics partner to produce pioneering wellbeing app and web portal
   • BenWell enables employees to measure their wellbeing in real-time and gives employers timely insight into mental and physical health of their team
   • Personalised resources are provided to each individual, tailored to their wellbeing needs

   To mark the beginning of World Wellbeing Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is proud to announce the nationwide launch of BenWell – its pioneering new wellbeing platform, developed specifically for the automotive industry in partnership with Wellonomics.

   Underpinning BenWell is an insight-led app and web portal which automotive businesses can use to take the emotional and physical temperature of their team, enabling companies to better support their employees with their wellbeing.

   Each month, employees spend less than 10 minutes answering questions across six key personal wellbeing areas, and five management areas. Once completed, their personal dashboard gives a real-time view of their wellbeing and offers tailored support and guidance from experts in each area, accessed via mobile, tablet or desktop.

   From an employer perspective, individual survey results are anonymised but, by tracking key wellbeing indicators via the dashboard, employers get a real time overview of how their employees are feeling about life at home and work, taking the guesswork out of wellbeing and enabling them to be proactive in their response.

   If any potential wellbeing issues are identified, employers can create targeted solutions that address their people’s needs, building greater employee satisfaction, retention and productivity for the business.

   Ben has been working on the development of this platform since 2021 with wellbeing data specialists Wellonomics, and the new BenWell platform will now be rolled out to automotive businesses across the UK.

   In addition to the app and web portal, the complete BenWell package also includes:

   • Access to printed wellbeing documentation on a wide range of topics for use around the workplace
   • Access to HR Manager Lite from Lawgistics – a HR and compliance platform designed for automotive employers that might not have their own HR function
   • Access to a portfolio of Ben Training courses to help teams build self-awareness and good habits that promote resilient mental health

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “For over 115 years, Ben has been on the front line of the automotive industry, supporting members of our automotive family through the toughest times of their lives. And in 2022, we know that this support is needed more than ever before.

   “Our most recent industry survey showed us that 94% of automotive workers have been personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue in the last 12 months. That figure is astonishing. Not only does this mean our automotive colleagues have been struggling, it also means that businesses are suffering too. Employee absence, reductions in productivity, low team morale – all of these things are caused by wellbeing issues and ultimately affect the health of your business.

   “By partnering with data specialists Wellonomics, we have combined our unique insight into the automotive community with industry-leading technology to produce a platform that we truly believe will help to improve the wellbeing of the automotive family as a whole. We encourage employers to find out more about BenWell and explore the many ways it can help the people in your business who most need it.”

   Glen Thurgood, CEO at Wellonomics shared: “It is a real honour to partner with Ben and the product of our successful collaboration is BenWell.  We are enormously excited as BenWell is officially launched today and sincerely look forward to being of service to all businesses and people within the automotive family.”

   For more information about BenWell click here.

   And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling - you can chat with us online, or call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 (Mon- Fri 8am - 8pm).

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

    

   
   About Ben:
   Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.

   Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services. 

   Ben also operates continuing care and support for those in later life, which isn’t dependent on an automotive industry connection, via its residential care centres, day centre and retirement village. www.ben.org.uk. 

3. Indian Motorcycle Rally initiative launched to UK & Eire owners

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 28th Jun 2022

   Indian Motorcycle has launched an initiative aimed at incentivising owners to get out and ride more this summer, with the introduction of the Indian Motorcycle Rally programme.

   With entry available to any existing Indian Motorcycle owner, and as part of the brand’s Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, owners who participate are challenged to visit all 20 UK and Eire dealerships up until Nov 30, gaining stamps on their unique Indian Motorcycle Rally Passport, recording their journey mileage with a national ranking to reward the highest number of stages and miles completed.

   Claire D’auria of Indian Motorcycle UK announced the UK’s inclusion in the programme, commenting, “The Indian Motorcycle Rally programme is running right across Europe, and so we are delighted to offer our UK and Eire customers the chance to participate.

   “Ultimately, it’s an excuse to get out and ride, but it’s a great way for the IMR community to come together and visit different parts of the country. Riders can even get in touch with the local IMRG before their ride to find out about places of interest and great roads along the way.”

   Indian Motorcycle owners interested in participating can register for free on https://indianmotorcyclerally.eu/UK/discover.php, then log each of their journeys after receiving their Indian Motorcycle Rally passport (provided by the local Indian Motorcycle dealer) via a stamp at each dealership visit.

   The Rally is open to owners of all Indian Motorcycle models who are also registered with Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) and runs until the 30th November 2022.

4. Biggest Risks of Motorcycle Riding and How to Avoid Them

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 23rd Jun 2022

   If you’re travelling by road, then you’re at a small risk of suffering an accident. This risk varies depending on where you’re travelling, and by what vehicle. Statistically speaking, motorcyclists are in the greatest danger. When you’re on two wheels, you’re not only more likely to be involved in a collision – you’re also more likely to suffer injury and death. While you can claim compensation after suffering a serious brain injury, you can’t easily reverse the damage.  

   For motorcyclists, therefore, taking the time to identify the biggest dangers is more than worthwhile. Let’s take a look at a few of the most notorious.

   Biggest Danagers to Motorcyclists on the Road

   Oncoming traffic is undoubtedly the biggest danager that motorcyclists face. If you’re involved in a head-on collision, then you’ll have be exposed to twice the force as if you’d hit the same object at double the speed (assuming that you’re travelling at the same speed as the other vehicle). While passengers and drivers in cars have a lot of protective structures around them, motorcyclists aren’t so fortunate. Even a minor impact can knock you off the bike.

   Junctions are another source of danger. Drivers might not have noticed you – they have multiple demands on their attention when they’re waiting to turn. That’s assuming they haven’t taken the opportunity to take out their phones.

   Overbraking is something that’s likely to throw you over the handlebars. While it might be nececssary to avoid a collission, sudden stopping is something that can pose a danger in itself.

   Car doors are another thing that can take you out when they’re opened unexpecetedly. This is something that’s particularly troubling in cities.

   Finally, we should worry about the condition of the road surface. Grit, gravel and rainwater can all reduce your traction. Gravel in particular can cause the bike to highside – which is a sudden and often deadly rotation of the bike.

   How to Avoid an Accident

   The easiest way to avoid an accident on your bike is to reduce your speed. The slower you’re going, the more easily you’ll be able to react to some of the threats we’ve mentioned.

   You should also be sure that you’re wearing the appopriate safety gear. This includes a helmet, as well as boots, gloves, leathers and body armor.

   You should also be sure that your bike is in good condition. This means regularly assessing your tyre pressures, changing the oils, and testing the brakes. If you’re practiced doing emergency stops. It’ll be less likely that you get thrown off. We should also mention that, in a disproportionate number of motorcycle casualties, drink-driving has been a factor. If you know you’re going to be getting in the saddle, then you should limit your alcohol consumption to zero. Don’t take any chances!

    

    

   article supplied

5. Electric performance meets electrifying style: the new Silence S01+

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 20th Jun 2022

   SOLIHULL, West Midlands 20th June 2022:  Silence UK has combined its electric performance with electrifying style, with the addition of the new range-topping S01+ model to its e-moto scooter range.

   Based on the S01 Connected and with performance equivalent to a 125cc motorbike, the S01+ is priced at £6,795 OTR and features a 5.6 kWh and 7.5kW motor, reaching 30mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 62mph.

   For added response when you need it, S01 + offers a faster acceleration in Sport mode and features an innovative “push-to-pass” overtaking mode, which briefly increases the limited top speed to 68mph.

   To suit its performance aesthetic, S01+ augments the comprehensive S01 Connected specification, with adjustable suspension, Galfer ventilated brake discs and a suite of sporty design cues, including a contrast texture seat, red detailing and Anthracite grey paint. 

   Connectivity comes through the dedicated Silence app, for Apple and Android devices, which allows control of important settings, such as checking charge status and activating remote lock/ unlock, as well as route planning through embedded Google Maps.

   Tony Lewis, co-founder of Silence UK, said: “Silence is a stylish and practical alternative to combustion bikes, whether you’re an individual, or business user.  Now with S01+, we’re adding extra sports style, for those who want their Silence to stand out from the crowd. Production of the S01+ is available in limited numbers so it’s very much first come first served!” 

   The S01+ is the sixth model in a growing Silence plug-in range which offers all-electric two-wheel options, to suit any budget or need.

   Private riders and commuters will be drawn to the stylish S01 and new Urban spec, available in both S01and S02 trim. For professional riders and fleets, the S02 Business and S02 Business+ make the perfect work partners, with long-range battery options and a large collection of practical accessories.

   All feature Silence’s patented ‘click and go’ removable and portable Silence lithium-ion battery, which can be charged through any 240V socket and can reduce running costs to a penny per mile – a massive 80% less than ICE-powered scooters.

   Every Silence e-moto scooter comes with a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty of two years for the e-moto scooter and three years for the battery, plus two years’ AA UK roadside assistance cover. 

   For more information on Silence, visit www.silenceuk.com