UK Motorcycle Industry News
Figures released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association have revealed the overall extent that the motorcycle industry benefits the economy, with more than 65,000 people making a living from the biking industry.
According to the MCI, the industry directly employs 65,000 people in the UK across more than 6,000 businesses, which is a greater level of employment than those employed in UK call centers, the market research sector, as taxi drivers and throughout libraries, museums and other cultural activities.
In 2008, the industry paid out more than £1.2 billion in wages and made total tax contributions of more than £1 billion.
There is a wide range of opportunities for people to take employment in the motorcycle industry. Distribution and retail is the largest single field of employment (20,380) and the sport and leisure sector employs around 10,000 people contributing a gross added value to the UK economy of £238 million per annum.
Other sectors offering work opportunities include: manufacturing, repairs, servicing and maintenance and other support services such as finance, marketing, publishing, training and couriers. Between them they employ almost 30,000 people, paying over £600 million in wages.
Although there is a concentration of retail and distribution jobs (31% of the total), average wages are £18,800 across the whole industry and are significantly higher in the support services (£21,600) and manufacturing (£28,600) sectors.
Steve Kenward (MCI’s CEO) says: "The motorcycle industry provides a significant financial contribution to the UK’s economy, generating added value of more than £2 billion, as well as acting as an important employer."
"There are many fields of employment within the industry offering work opportunities for people from all walks of life whether they want to work in a practical, hands-on role or take a more customer service based job there is something for everyone."
For more information about the motorcycle industry go to the mcia.co.uk.
