THE driving force behind a leading children’s bike distributor is revving up for further success.

Caroline Sandiford, director at Rossendale firm Jim Sandiford (Imports) Ltd, has carved out a niche market importing silent battery-powered bike models from Spain.

Possessing strong ties with 23 dealers across the UK, including The Rocket Centre in Trident Park, Blackburn, she has shipped hundreds of bikes and parts since re-launching the business in 2010.

Ms Sandiford has worked for the company for 25 years, and has been involved in the motorcycle industry all her life.

She took charge of the business in 1993 when her father, Jim, died.

Having forged links with Barcelona firm Mecatecno, which manufactures the bikes, her firm is now its official UK supplier, operating mainly via mail order.

She said: “Jim Sandiford (Imports) Ltd was founded by my father back in the 80s. It was, at that time, involved in the importation of Montesa Motorcycles from Spain to the UK.

“We amalgamated it with our other retail company through the 90s, but in 2010 I reintroduced it as a company in its own right to push on with my individual projects.

“I was headhunted by Mecatecno. The managing director, Jordi Mila, had a long association with Montesa and had met me on several occasions. They (the silent bike models) were introduced to the market on August 2010 and our first shipments landed here in November 2010.”

Ms Sandiford said that as well as distributing to retail outlets, she was dealing with enquiries from adventure centres looking to hire the machines for children’s activities and parties.

There are two models available, with a third coming next month.

She said: “As they are silent and have no emissions, they are easy to maintain and also easy to restrict. They are an excellent way of getting kids into the fresh air.”