OUR STORY
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Most success stories have a humble beginning and Mucky Nutz’ is no different. Founded by Shane in 2009, Mucky Nutz was nothing more than a side hustle.
With an interest in bikes and a background in engineering, he tinkered away in his garden shed, while keeping an ever-watchful eye on his girls.
Bottle-top end plugs and lightweight brake discs were the first parts to materialise. Made locally and listed on eBay - they actually sold and he was soon faffing about creating a website. But a brand name was needed: Mucky Nutz!
THE DISRUPTOR
And then came the Bender Fender. As Face Fender’s predecessor, the Bender Fender was launched in 2009 and disrupted the mudguard market almost overnight. For such a simple product it was the first of its kind: small, discreet, lightweight, and yet highly effective at protecting the rider’s face and fork seals. With positive feedback on forums and praise in the media, awareness and demand grew and trade and distribution enquiries followed but so did very similar-looking products.
A KICK UP THE ARSE
Having design protection is one thing. Being able to enforce it is quite another, especially for a very small business. Instead of running the business into the ground attempting to do so, the expression “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” was taken onboard and gave Shane a kick up the arse to push the brand, grow the distribution network and expand the Fender range. To do this, something had to give, however. Running a growing business and having a full-time job isn’t good for anyone’s health. And so, the umbilical cord was cut and Shane was all in – about bloody time.
ON THE MOVE
Things were going great, so why not decide to move life, house, and work, 300 miles from Sheffield to Cornwall? The business was still being run from home, for a while, in a large double garage - a garage for cars is so overrated. But, with continued growth, it wasn’t long before the business needed its own premises and dedicated team. And in 2015 we moved to our current home just a few hundred yards from the Cornish coast and right on the local cycle path. From here, we have worked on some great projects and collaborated with trailblazing brands and some fantabulous folk.
EVOLUTION
A lot has happened in recent years, namely: COVID, BREXIT, climate change and the cost of living crisis. This has affected us individually and as a business. At Mucky Nutz we have increased focus on providing high-performing products and services in the most sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-savvy ways possible. And the award-winning MugGuard range epitomises this.
FUTURE
By expanding the product range to include the Skinz range, we have opened the floodgates with ideas for new products. But to do that we need more space. Yep, you’ve guessed it, we are on the move again. Our new premises are much larger and just up the road, in the heart of our coastal town. The place needs gutting, but we're looking forward to seeing the transformation and calling it home. Keep your eyes peeled on our social media and journal as we share the progress!
