Mr Clutch Expands

UK garage services chain, Mr Clutch Autocentres, is set to undergo expansion after trials of its new franchise model have been heralded a “great success.”

Changes in the motor maintenance and repair sector led company directors to re-examine its positioning in the market and completely overhaul its franchise model.

Financial director Trevor Steel explains the decision: “Over the past few years, VOSA has tightened up on regulations governing MOT test centres and appears to be clamping down hard on those rogue back street garages it sees as flouting the rules.

“Added to this, car ownership patterns have changed. Increasing numbers of people now own newer, better quality, high value cars. Although they tend to take these cars to the main dealers for servicing while they’re still under warranty, they want somewhere credible to get their annual service and maintenance once the car is out of warranty.

“New rules arising out of the EU block exemptions will allow us to compete against the main dealers for service business and possibly warranty work in the future. This in turn will allow us the opportunity to attract fleet work as our network grows.

“As a result, we decided to extend our offer beyond clutch and transmission services. All our centres now offer MOTs and are geared to attracting regular, repeat business from customers who want somewhere reliable and pleasant to have their annual service and on-going maintenance.”

“In the future, any autocentre that offers MOTs will have to be linked to a central database operated by VOSA to ensure legal compliance. In fact, VOSA trialled its new system at two of our branches before beginning its nationwide roll out.”

Franchisees who were previously required to invest around £35,000 are now faced with an entry-level investment of around £75,000.

Established over 25 years ago, Mr Clutch Autocentres first entered franchising in 1990. Today the company has 16 wholly owned autocentres and 28 franchised outlets in England and Wales. Two new franchises will open in Hemel Hempstead and Canterbury before the end of the year.