End of an Era: M&P Direct Closes After Nearly 50 Years in the Saddle
For nearly five decades, M&P Direct in Swansea has been a pilgrimage site for bikers across Wales and beyond. From its opening in 1978, the dealership wasn’t just a shop – it was a cornerstone of the community, a place where riders bought their first bikes, picked up those vital spares, and swapped stories over the counter.
But last week, without warning, the shutters came down for good. A black-and-white post on social media confirmed the news: “1978–2025. Ride in Peace.” Founder Mark Collings signed off with a simple “thank you for everything,” and with that, one of Britain’s best-known motorcycle names rolled off into history.
Shockwaves Through the Biking Community
The reaction was instant. Social feeds filled with disbelief, nostalgia, and genuine sadness. Riders reminisced about their first M&P parcels in the early ‘80s, others recalled the thrill of walking through those doors as teenagers dreaming of two-wheeled freedom.
One lifelong customer summed it up: “This is devastating. M&P has been part of the biker community here since I started out in ’79.” Another simply wrote: “A sign of the times.”
And perhaps that’s exactly what this is – another reminder that even long-standing institutions aren’t immune to the pressures facing the motorcycle trade. Rising costs, shifts in buying habits, and the squeeze of online competition all add up to a brutal marketplace, especially for businesses that once thrived on personal connection.
Behind the Shutters
According to local reports, around 50 staff were informed of redundancies earlier this month after M&P was taken over by an investor group. Just days later, the doors closed completely, leaving both employees and customers in limbo.
The official website now carries the brief message “temporarily closed”, though Google already lists the store as permanently shut. Whether this means a rebirth under new management or the final full stop in M&P’s story is unclear – but for now, the community feels the loss sharply.
More Than a Shop
What made M&P special wasn’t just the range of bikes, kit, and accessories. It was the sense of identity. Riders knew that whatever they needed – a gasket, a jacket, or just a bit of friendly advice – M&P had their back. That kind of legacy doesn’t fade easily.
As one customer put it, “My first M&P order was in 1981… my last was just a few weeks ago.” That’s loyalty spanning over four decades, and it tells you everything about the bond between this dealership and its riders.
Looking Ahead
The closure of M&P Direct is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing traditional dealerships. Yet, it also highlights the enduring power of community within motorcycling. Brands come and go, but the shared memories – first bikes, road trips, those long hours in the garage – remain untouchable.
For the staff, customers, and the wider Welsh biking scene, this is the end of an era. But the road goes on, and so does the spirit of riders who’ll never forget the role M&P played in their journey.
Ride in peace, M&P. You’ll be missed.