Held means 'hero' in German. Over the last eight decades, Held has grown, from a small family glovemaking business, into Germany's favourite and best respected producer of motorcycle clothing and accessories.Held gloves are renowned as being the best in the business, winning countless international awards, including the prestigious Motorrad Best Brand for the past Six years running. They are trusted by riders the world over, with many professional racers refusing to wear anything else. The company applies the same quality driven philosophy to its entire range of jackets, pants, suits, boots, luggage and accessories. Only the best materials and uncompromising manufacturing techniques are used in the creation of every item, so that riders who choose Held can rely on the fact they are getting the best price : performance ratio available, whatever their budget.The company is still family owned and run, with two generations of Helds personally attending to the design, development, manufacture and quality control of their products. Indeed, brothers and managing directors, Edgar and Erhard Held, can often be found on the factory floor, grading hides by hand because they enjoy it.The Held family never set out to become the biggest independent German motorcycle clothing brand, so all this success has been achieved without fancy marketing. Their only intention was to produce the best possible equipment for their fellow motorcycle riders. And they continue to do this today in the same picturesque Bavarian town they set up shop in all those years ago.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEHEIN GERICKE (UK) LTD, North Yorkshire • 1994-2008£23M turnover premier retailer of motorcycle clothing and accessories in UK and Europe selling private label and 3rd party brands.Joint Managing Director (1997-2008)Oversaw Sales, Dangerous Goods, and Purchasing Departments whilst managing company’s commercial operations with 4 Manager level direct reports (Marketing, Customer Services and Mail Order, Warranty and Repairs, and Product Development) and over 50 indirect staff. Developed and implemented strategic plans and pursued business growth opportunities, set pricing and pricing policies, managed margin development, and trained and managed staff. Developed and maintained key exclusive relationships as supplier to Virgin Limo Bikes, Bennets Insurance, BSM Motorcycle Training, and earned position as preferred motorcycle clothing supplier to police departments in Greater London, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Innovated performance management and reward/recognition tools. Managed product development, product clustering, and market research efforts.