THE boss of an East Lancashire motorbike firm says he’s revved up for the future as he celebrates 30 years in the business.

Philip Youles, opened Youles Motorcycles at the tender age of 16, after leaving St Wilfrid’s School in Blackburn, having starting it as a hobby buying and dismantling old used bikes to sell the spare parts in Belgarth Road, Accrington.

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Thirty years on and 46-year-old Philip along with his wife Louise, now runs two showrooms selling motorcycles and scooters, one in Pendle Street in Blackburn and another in Bury New Road in Manchester.

The firm is a main dealer for Triumph Motorcycles, Vespa, Gilera, Piaggio Scooters and Aprilia.

Philip, from Longridge but previously lived in Simonstone said: “Originally I just started out buying and dismantling old used bikes to sell the spare parts.

“After I left school I opened a unit in Friendship Mill in Read.

“I started selling more bikes and in about 1989 we moved to Belgarth Road in Accrington, in 2000 we acquired the Manchester showroom and then in 2004 we moved to our current showroom in Pendle Street.”

Philip, who now employs 28 people says the key to success has been their ability to move with the times.

He added: “The market has changed over the years and we have been aware of the changes and tried to move with it.

“We are also proud of our excellent customer service and the development made by our staff.

“Looking back makes me remember just what a long way we have come. And like every good motorcycle journey, it really has been one hell of a ride.”

The firm is due to start work on a 400,000 sq ft extension to their Blackburn showroom next summer, allowing more motorbikes to be on display.

Triumph Motorcycles is also celebrating 25 years this year, and as a double celebration, Youles Motorcycles will be holding an open day on May 23rd where customers are invited to display their own Triumph bikes from the last 25 years.

The best of the bikes on display will go on to be judged in a national competition for the chance of a VIP visit to the Hinkley Triumph factory.

For more information about the open day call 01254 277135.