Local businessman Matthew Gilder is starting a new business venture that offers the modern take on a family trade, which started in Sheffield more than 100 years ago.

The Gilder family has been well known as automotive dealers in South Yorkshire for many years; although the new Scooter Italiano outlet has closer associations with the pioneering work of his great grandfather Mr W. L. Gilder. Matthew Gilder explains;

"My great grandfather was an engineer with his own garage on Broomspring Lane in Sheffield. He was also very well known as an innovator and a keen motorcyclist. Three generations of my family have been trading as the Gilder Group since then and I feel as if my new venture paves the way for the family heritage to come full circle". 

Scooters and motorcycles are generally cheaper to purchase, service and tax, better on fuel consumption and much easier to park at home and work. For these reasons, they are fast becoming a popular, alternative solution for commuters and other drivers nationwide.

Matthew Gilder is hoping to meet this need locally, by opening his new premier scooter outlet on Abbeydale Road in Sheffield. The aim will be to appeal to new customers, existing scooter and motorcycling enthusiasts and 'returning riders' from across South Yorkshire and the North Midlands.

Scooter Italiano will offer Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia and Gilera scooters in both modern and classic styles, together with smaller capacity motorcycles from 50cc to 500cc. Information and guidance about licence requirements and local motorcycle training options for new or nervous riders will be available, as will after-market parts, servicing, clothing, helmets and merchandise.

"I think demand will be strong. Everyone is trying to reduce travel costs and being confident that congestion won't affect your ability to arrive promptly for work, social events and studies is important." Matthew continues.

"I wonder how many people are fed up with taking an hour to complete a 30 minute journey, every day? Aside of this, riding a scooter has always been pretty cool!".