John Parker Motorcycles moving to Pass Bike in Rochford

John Parker Motorcycles have been helping motorcyclists stay on the road for the last 49 years from their shop in North Avenue in Southend.

The well-loved family business was opened in 1973 by John Parker who moved to the area after working as a mechanic in Chelmsford for Essex Police.

Mr Parker passed the business onto his son Steve who has run it with his wife Margaret for the last 20 years.

Historic - John parker Motorcycles pictured in the 70s

The pair are now looking to retire, and have sold the brand to father and son Ian and Moses Burrell who run Pass Bike Motorcycle Training, Sales and Workshop in Purdey’s Way, Rochford.

“My children grew up just round the corner from John Park Motorcycles and we have known and been customers of theirs for almost two decades, managing direct Ian Burrell said.

“We are so pleased to be able to keep this great name going for generations to come.”

The 50-year-old continued: “It feels as if we have come home. We were always part of them and they were always a part of our lives, so it has been great.

“You do feel some responsibility as well. The shop has been Steve and Margaret’s lives and you feel some responsibility to do a good job.”

The dealership will keep its historic name but will be moving to Pass Bike’s HQ with plans submitted to convert the old store into five flats.

Pass Bikes, which has grown into one of the region’s largest motorcycle training centres in the nine years since it opened, began offering repairs services and running its own showroom two years ago.

The acquisition of John Parker Motorcycles signals an intent to grow into those markets, Mr Burrell said.

Moses Burrell, operations director, said: “We are really proud to be able to say that Pass Bike is the new home of John Parker Motorcycles.

“From one family to another, the team at Pass Bike wish Steve and Margret a very long and happy retirement although I’m sure we will see Steve in the workshop from time to time.”