As a result, back in November, we instructed one of the UK’s top Intellectual Property legal teams to put together a case. This work has been on-gong since. As part of this work, specialist investigators have been instructed. They have conducted extensive research to identify the people behind the Ridemow site. They have also made test purchases on our behalf. A further investigation, using cutting edge methods is also being commissioned. As you will imagine, this work has been done at considerable cost. However, it is a cost we, acting on behalf of the manufacturer, have been happy to pay to protect the industry.

As well as taking legal action, we have reported Ridemow to Trading Standards, the Police’s Action Fraud and BBC’s Watchdog.

We have wanted to reassure the industry about this since it came to our attention in November. However, as we have been putting together a case to put before the court, it has been important not to go public, not least because it might damage on-going investigations. Now that your publication has brought this to everyone’s attention, there is less need for us to stay silent. If any dealers would like to talk with us about the work done to date and the findings of our investigations, we would be happy to talk with them."

Mr Anderson added that the images shown on the RideMow were site clearly scanned from an old brochure.

In addition to Rochfords, both GGP UK and Briggs and Stratton are believed to be pursuing separate legal actions and investigations over the design of the website and use of brand names.