The team

Russell Bennett

Owner

Russ who worked for both his grandfather and father, firstly in the workshops becoming a highly qualified and globally respected technician and M.O.T tester. Later management skills were needed, as shop sales became the priority but, on many occasions, he can still be found in the workshop getting his hands dirty, keeping up with the latest technology and continuing to educate his staff by passing on his knowledge.

After taking the helm of the business at the age of 23 he soon found that quality of service and taking the personal approach was something he enjoyed. His decision to get involved with the Benelli and MV Agusta brands was a bold move at the time but sticking with them has proven to be successful, as other dealers continue to come and go Russ and the team keep doing what they do best. He has provided Technical Assistance and training for the UK MV Agusta dealer network and continues to work closely on technical improvements for the brand. Russ has a great experience in riding bikes from an early age, not only the superbikes he used to race but all different machines from mopeds to grand tourers. Now he keeps fit doing Moto X with some of the team. His goal is to try and ride every bike that leaves the shop, so it is up to his high standards before it arrives with the customer.

He enjoys family life, Moto GP, Cycling and Skiing which he is also a fully qualified instructor and race coach.
Current bike - Honda CRF450 (and a shop full to try every day!)
Best bike – MV F3800 a true fun all round sports bike
Worst bike – Lexmoto (made from imitation Lego)

Matthew Watson

Workshop Manager

Started with Bennetts at the age of 20 doing sales and parts, he now is the workshop manager and often runs the shop when Russ is away. Matt has built a reputation on his thoroughness and quality of work and also knowledge of Italian bikes including Benelli, MV Agusta and Ducati, often branching out and offering advice on social media and the Benelli and MV forums.

Generations of family had motorcycles and he got involved in restoring and riding bikes from the age of 10 and has been lucky enough to keep bikes as a core part of his life. From riding push bikes, racing on track to riding off road and more recently getting heavily involved in Moto X with the Bennetts family.

Before he started with Bennetts, he went to College studying mechanical engineering and motorcycle maintenance and was approached to join a racing team. He worked for the British Superbike Championship team Dienza Performance as a mechanic (run by Luca’s dad) and later was a race instructor for corporate race days with Dienza. More recently, he built a competitive STK 600 MV Agusta F3 to compete in the Thundersport Championships gaining many podium positions, then later the team competed in the Stock 600 class at BSB piloted by Matty Whelan.

Approaching his 13th year with the company he has an established role with customers, suppliers and has gained many long term friends. Russ and Luca were even best men at his wedding!

Current bike – Too many to list but the main bikes VFR400NC30 and CRF250R.
Best bike – Brutale 1000RR Nurburgring
Worst bike – Cruisers

Josh Grant

Sales

My name is Josh and I am Bennetts "young apprentice". I've been working at Bennetts since 2021 as the "satdi" lad and in 2023 I joined the Bennetts family full time. Every day theres somthing new and I am really enjoying learning new skills and gaining more knowledge about the bikes and the motor trade.

I am relatively new to the bike world but since working at Bennetts I've known this is where i'm meant to be. It also helps to be learning from the best in the business with Russ, Matt and Phil as my mentors. I am hoping to gain the knowledge and skills I need to be able to uphold Bennetts standards and reputation ,although I do ask that you be patient with me as I may get a few things wrong along the way, but that is all apart of the proccess and I look forward to my future at Bennetts.

Current bike – Voge R125
Best bike – Brutale RS 1000
Worst bike – MT-10

Phil Whelan

After Sales

I started my working life here at Bennett's from leaving school working for Russ's Dad & Grandfather... some great times! Over time I decided to turn my hand to 4-wheels and successfully ran and managed a local garage and busy workshop, this lasted over 20yr and gave me a vast amount of skills to be a "hands on" type of guy and my reputaion to get the job done works well in my role back here at Bennett's. I feel like I'm back home as the passion for bikes has always been with me and my family with my son Matty being a current BSB Superstock racer so we are always busy at the weekends.

Current bike – Triumph
Best bike – MV SV98
Worst bike – Any electric one!