A MINEHEAD off-road sports retailer has been bought by an entrepreneur – and motorsport enthusiast.

Tom Radburn has taken over Dirtbikexpress, a market leader in motocross, mountain biking and ADV retail.

A third-generation motocross rider who grew up in the south west, Tom knows the business inside out, having previously worked as a supplier to the firm, building a strong relationship with the original owner Steven Dyer.

So when the opportunity arose to buy the business and drive its future, he didn’t hesitate.

“This is a business with a great reputation and a loyal customer base, both locally and across the UK,” he said.

“Being from the area myself and growing up around bikes, this felt like the perfect way to combine passion with purpose.

“I’m committed to keeping the business rooted in Minehead and building on its success as a national leader in the space.”

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Dirtbikeexpress supplies everything from adventure helmets and state-of-the-art body protectors to premium wheel sets and a huge variety of exhaust pipes.

The takeover was backed by a loan from Allica Bank – the business bank built especially for established businesses.

With the bank’s support, Tom has already taken significant steps to modernise and grow the business.

A new website is now live, and brands like Alpinestars and Fox have been added to the line-up, helping attract a broader customer base and strengthen Dirtbikexpress’s standing in the off-road community.

The Dirtbikeexpress website has been relaunched

The business remains a key local employer within an expansive warehouses and busy head office – and Tom is keen to ensure it continues to contribute to the regional economy as it scales.

“The south west has a vibrant riding scene, and we want to help nurture that while also expanding nationally through online growth and strategic partnerships,” he added.

“Our aim is to become the UK’s top destination for off-road enthusiasts.”

Tom Hine, Dirtbikexpress’ relationship manager at Allica Bank, said: “We’re proud to support Tom in acquiring and growing Dirtbikexpress. His blend of local roots, technical knowledge and entrepreneurial drive make him the ideal person to take this business forward. Supporting businesses like this, those that create local jobs and support our communities, is exactly why Allica exists.”