Sales have been growing for Triumph year-on-year, the brand dominating the UK market. The Hinckley-based manufacturer sold 7,524 bikes in the UK in 2013, had a hugely successful year in 2014, selling 8,128 bikes, and the number has been steadily rising. The company sold a record 9,400 motorcycles in the UK in 2017.

The number of bikes sold worldwide was also increasing - 53,812 in 2014/2015, 56,253 in '15/'16, and 63,404 in '16/'17. Profits increased from £8.7 million, to £16.6 million, to £24.7 million.

But while Triumph’s revenue has increased in the last year from £498.50 million to £502.7 million, profits have suffered. With over 86% of the company's bikes sold abroad, poor exchange rates have resulted in profits going from £24.7 million to £9 million - a decrease of over 60%.

The number of units sold has also fallen, from 63,404 to 61,505. It’s the first time in eight years that the company has seen a sales decline.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for its sole shareholder, John Bloor. The 75-year-old invested over £80 million in the company since buying the rights to the name in 1983 and saving Triumph from bankruptcy. Bloor Investments, the company behind Triumph, has reported a growth in profits and turnover – thanks not to Triumph, but to Bloor Homes. As a result, Bloor has been paid a £6 million dividend (though the figure is down from £7 million, in 2017).  

The privately-owned company is now run by John Bloor’s son, Nick. Hopefully, he and his 2,400 employees see better sales figures next year.