It’s been a cracker of a ride for Ross Allison.

Just 12 months ago the 31-year-old launched his own motorcycle business – Rotate Motorcycles – after quitting his full-time job of 15-plus years at Bournemouth Kawasaki.

As with all new businesses it was a gamble and not without risk.

In Ross’ case he had sunk around £90,000 into his new venture.

But, as he told Dorset Biz News: “The time was right, especially after turning 30.

“While it’s a little scary my gut feeling was that it’s a case of do or die and I know I can sell bikes.”

And that has certainly proved the case.

His target was 150 sales over the course of the first year.

In fact, he’s done more than 250.

Turnover for the 12 months is around £1.6 million.

Ross said: “Realistically I didn’t think that would happen.

“I’ve never put any pen to paper.

“It was purely self-belief.

“I’d done such a long time with my old dealership and really learnt the ropes from the top people there.

“I’ve just kept my head down and done the steps that needed to be done.”

The sales have ranged from scooters costing £2,000 to a Ducati Panigale V4 SP which retails for upwards of £35,000.

And everything in between.

As a trained mechanic, Ross is able to carry out services on bikes before handover, ensuring every one is prepared and warranted.

His knowledge also helps with the sourcing of bikes, from private customers through to dealerships.

Ross, who operates from a unit in Parley, said: “When I started the aim was to have 15 bikes online at any one time and I had about 20.

“Now I generally have 25 bikes online at a particular point and hold close to 40.

“I use a lot of couriers, but I also deliver myself.

“I’ve had customers on the Isle of Man, loads in Scotland as well as Northern and Southern Ireland and the rest of the country.”

To date, Rotate Motorycles has 109 5-star reviews on AutoTrader and 33 5-star reviews on Google.

Many specifically mention Ross including:

• “From start to finish, Ross was extremely helpful, professional, and very friendly. No pushy sales talk, just polite conversation with all my questions answered fully and honestly, with some friendly biker banter thrown in as well.”
• “Absolute pleasure dealing with Ross. He clearly cares about his business and goes the extra mile to make sure his customers are happy.”
• “Ross has been absolutely outstanding. From his wealth of experience within the industry and really understanding his customer and offering exceptional service from day one. I cannot recommend him enough.”

Ross said: “It’s really good that a lot have called me out and said I’m enthusiastic about bikes.

“They could tell from my attitude that I was grateful and wanted their business.”

Next month experienced technician Sam Thompson joins the business in what Ross admits will be a big step.

He said: “Sam has a racing background with motorcycles and at British Championship level.

“He has lots of experience and is well-known in the area.

“It’s a bit of a leap to take Sam on but he’s quite excited and so am I.

“When I set up a lot of people thought he’d be the natural person for the business.

“Sam will be involved in every bike that comes in and out and also collecting and buying stock.”

As for the future, Ross, who has a three a half year old son, Freddie, with his partner Ellen, said: “I don’t really have a five-year plan.

“I do one year at a time and then assess.

“I’m proud of how far the business has come but I also feel the pressure.

“Everyone in the bike trade has been very congratulatory and it feels like now it can’t go wrong.

“My head is definitely on the block.

“I’ve probably created that myself because I’m all over Instagram and Facebook.

“People say: ‘You’re absolutely flying mate’.

“I’m probably not flying any more than others but their Instagram and social media is perhaps not as up to date as mine.

“I think social media has done the business good and the reputation has grown quicker from it.

“I don’t have any regrets.

“Sometimes I think it would be nice to go home and not worry about it but it hasn’t got in the way of family life.”

“Freddie also loves it in here.

“I say to him ‘what are you going to do when you go out to work’ and he says ‘fix it, silly’.

“When I ask ‘what are you going to fix’, he says ‘bikes’!”

• Rotate Motorcycles – rotatemotorcycles.co.uk – is also on Facebook and Instagram and advertises through AutoTrader, eBay and Gumtree.