The British KTM bikes distributor cites the impact of Brexit as a major factor
(Image credit: BnB Hotels P/B KTM)
British-based distributor FLI Distribution is to cease trading with immediate effect. The news was originally shared in a post by Cycling Industry News. Huddersfield-based FLi has been in business for 15 years and had enjoyed a long-standing relationship as the UK distributor and representative for KTM bikes, looking after the dealer network in the UK.
FLi and KTM actually parted ways earlier this year in April after a 10-year partnership. The news at the time was covered by BikeBiz. KTM is an Austrian-based brand that manufactures a range of bikes, with its road bikes even being ridden and raced on at the top level by B&B Hotels p/b KTM
A KTM Revelator Alto Team bike (Image credit: Future / Josh Croxton)
A LinkedIn post made by FLi Distribution owner Colin Williams explained the circumstances surrounding the closure.
"Well it's public now. I wasn't sure when or if I should say something, so I've just not really said anything. Lots of emotions bouncing around.
"But that's it, FLi is done."
The statement went on to thank colleagues, before turning attention to Brexit, citing it as the main reason for the company's troubles, stating "If you voted for Brexit, please realise this is 90% because of your decision back in 2016."
Although it may feel as though the effects of the COVID years are receding into the distance, the landscape for British brands and distributors is still a challenging one. Long-standing British retailer Planet X appeared on the brink of administration in early June. That news followed the demise of Moore Large in late March, another long-standing British Distributor. As recently as yesterday, two trustees were appointed at VanMoof after the dutch eBike brand declared bankruptcy, despite securing over £100m in investment in late 2021.
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Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
