NEC best stands announced

THE ORGANISERS OF THE Motorcycle Live NEC show held last November have just announced the Best Exhibitors winners. BMW Motorrad UK scooped two awards: ‘Best manufacturer stand’ and ‘Manufacturer giving the best customer experience’. The German firm’s stand included its full range of motorcycles from the S1000 RR superbike to the perennial GS favourites, and the new M1000 R and M1000 RR. BMW’s interactive Make Life a Ride arena also showcased new models alongside the talents of the World of BMW activity partners.

Scott Grimsdall, head of marketing at BMW Motorrad, said: “Motorcycle Live is such a big event for the BMW team, requiring a lot of planning, logistics, and commitment. It’s a great chance for us to speak with existing and future BMW riders. We’re extremely proud to be announced as winners of both awards, and it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. I’d like to thank those who voted for us, visited us at the show, and enjoyed watching one of our shows in the ‘Make Life a Ride’ arena.” a complete logistics provider, while MSC has been increasing the size of its fleet.

The winner of the ‘Nonmanufacturer giving the best customer experience’ gong was Helmet City – making it the second year in a row that it has received an award for its presence at the show.

In other news, a new Northern Ireland Brexit deal was signed by the UK and EU at the end of February. Without delving into the politics, under the existing arrangement, all goods destined for either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland are checked on arrival for compliance with EU import rules. Only after checking can goods move on to the Republic. Under the deal, just as with passengers leaving the baggage area in an airport, so goods landing in Northern Ireland for destinations in the province will exit a green lane unhindered. However, goods for the Republic will go through a red lane for checking.

In essence red tape and export requirements will be minimised, if not abolished, and goods on sale in Great Britain will be more freely on sale in Northern Ireland.

A further change was made to the Northern Ireland Protocol so that while elements of EU law applies to the province, local politicians will be able to influence their application and, with UK government approval, seek amendment.

Of course, whether this is enough to get the Unionists back into Stormont and the devolved government up and running is another question.

Bikesure Backs 2023 Event

Jennifer Holmes, director of Helmet City, commented:

“We’re thrilled to have won this award, particularly as the visitors voted for it. We pride ourselves on giving customers honest advice and the best price possible. Thanks to the Helmet City team and those who voted for us.”

Finlay McAllan, managing director of Motorcycle Live, added: “Huge congratulations to the winners this year and a massive thanks to all the exhibitors that helped make up Motorcycle Live 2022, as all the stands were of such a high standard. And thank you to those who voted and visited – we wouldn’t have a show without you.”

MOTORCYCLE LIVE HAS EXTENDED ITS sponsorship deal with Bikesure Insurance for the 2023 show. Finlay McAllan, MD at Motorcycle Live, said: “We’re just as excited about announcing the renewal of Bikesure’s sponsorship as we were with the initial announcement back in 2019. It’s a real testament to the strong working relationship between the brands. The show landscape has certainly changed in the last few years, but our commitment to creating an interactive show with good value for visitors has remained the same – a vision the team at Bikesure shares.”

Grant Varnham, Bikesure’s business development manager, said: “No other motorcycle show supports our industry or has the ability to inspire the next generation of riders like Motorcycle Live can, which is why we’re incredibly proud to continue our sponsorship in 2023.”

With financial editor Roger Willis

Braking records

PRODUCTS DEDICATED TO powered two-wheelers were the strongest growth driver for Italian automotive brakes giant Brembo in its full-year 2022 results. BDN financial editor Roger Willis reports.

Annual revenue from OE motorcycle applications climbed by a record-breaking 44.3% to £422.4m. However, this figure was dwarfed by a 30.5% increase in turnover for the car sector to £2.337bn.

Overall group revenue covering the car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and racing applications in Brembo’s industrial portfolio rose by 30.7% to £3.215bn. Resultant operating profit was 32.9% up to £338.9m. Operating margin improved from 10.4% to 10.5%. Net profit put on 35.9% to £259.2m. Net debt was slashed by £113.8m to £444.3m.

In Europe, sales across all sectors grew by 10.5% in Italy, 33.8% in Germany and 18.5% in France. But the UK declined slightly by 1.8%. Elsewhere, India was 40.4% up and China added 30.4%, while Japan fell by 9.6%. Latin America and North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) posted respective 66.1% and 48.8% increases.

Commenting on such excellent performance, Brembo executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said: “In terms of revenues, margins and net profit, we achieved the highest figures ever in the company’s history. All the main segments in which we operate contributed to the result. This milestone was reached in spite of the complexities of a year especially marked by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and persistent inflation pressures on raw material markets.”