Mavericks is a community business with bikes at its heart

A motorcycle-based start-up business in North Wales that also acts as an events venue and community and support centre is going from strength to strength.

Mavericks Motorcycles was launched five-years-ago as a repair business with a difference. Being part community-owned it also set out to be a facility for local groups and was so successful it moved to a larger 12,000ft venue in 2020.

The workforce has doubled to 26 and there are plans to take on apprentices who’ve been affected by mental health issues and autism but found ‘their thing’ with Mavericks.

Its current venue in Mostyn, known as Mavericks Wales, regularly holds events not just for motorcycle enthusiasts, but also classic car lovers. There’s also a 1000-strong Mavericks Women group and even a Mini Mavericks group for younger enthusiasts.

It was founded by bike racer and former marketing entrepreneur Richard Clarke. One of Mavericks’ key differences is that it is community-owned with supporters investing in return for shares. It also raised money from crowdfunding.

Speaking about the business, Clarke said: “This is about so much more than the motorcycles and classic cars.

“We’ve built an inclusive, welcoming community which is making such a difference to people’s lives. We’ve been a sanctuary for those who have lost loved ones or have mental health challenges. It is somewhere where parents come with their children and where so many new friendships have started,” he continued.

“It is scary how quickly the business has snowballed. We’ve become a destination and the key to our success has been the community we’ve built. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a great journey. We see no reason why we can’t take the Mavericks brand elsewhere in the UK and, even, globally.”