BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Bike industry veteran, David Moakes, is to retire from his post at Raleigh having been with the Nottingham firm for a combined total of 30 years.
Product Director David Moakes steps away in one of the company’s top positions having started in Raleigh’s Toy design department in 1972.
"I joined Raleigh Industries Ltd in September 1972 as an industrial design graduate to work in the Toy Design Department in the days when many of the components used in toys and bike were made in the Lenton factory," said Moakes.
"By 1980 I had been promoted to Concept Design Manger where I began to get involved with bicycle product development and marketing. However, in 1986 I took a change in direction and went into parts and accessories as Product Manager which really opened up the world of travel as the emerging component makers for accessories and bikes were now being established in the Far East.
"Specifying and sourcing was the order of the day and my design and technical background was of great benefit. During this time structural changes occurred in parts and accessories as we developed a dealer direct policy and laid the foundations for the multi-million pound business we have today.
At this point, Moakes had a period which has been referred to as his ‘holiday’ when he went to work for two competitors; Reece Cycles plc sourcing bicycles and accessories in 1996, and then to Falcon Cycles Ltd in 2002 to assist in the transition to out-sourced product.
"Approximately four years ago the opportunity presented itself to return to Raleigh, which was not a difficult choice as I relished the challenge to help re-establish the brand and its position in the UK market. The rest is recent history as in the final period I have been working hard to establish good relationships with our suppliers of bicycles and where necessary ensure the continual improvement in quality and delivery matched the ever demanding need to place the Raleigh brand at the forefront of our customer.
"Much has been done in the last 18 months and the recent acquisition by the Accell Group can only enhance the prospects for another century for Raleigh in the bike business.
"Looking back, I have been privileged to have met and worked with many talented people from all over the world and from different cultures, all with a passion for two wheels and my experience has been unique in that I have worked in both bicycles and accessories and each has different demands and priorities which sometimes do not always immediately gel together but if you work at it a way can be found."
Everyone at Raleigh thanks David for his work over the years and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
