Group Tyre Reorganises After Growth in Dealership Representation

Following a growing representation within franchised dealer networks, Group Tyre (UK) Ltd has announced plans to restructure its Car Dealership Department to further strengthen its operation. The appointments of James Marriott and John Welsh are seen as key elements of the restructure, which provide dedicated regional Training and Sales Development roles across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

“Many dealers in the sector are beginning to realise the massive profit potential tyre replacement programmes offer. Through the Group Tyre Dealership Programme dealers can experience massive increases to their bottom line profits, with the majority of the hard work undertaken by Group Tyre. The potential is there for all to see…in the past dealers would simply allow this business to leave their workshop for the nearest fast-fit, many are now enjoying increased revenue by offering this service direct to their customers,” said Group Tyre (UK) Ltd chairman, John Church.

According to Mr Church, “The Car Dealer sector is a massive element of Group Tyre’s strategic plans and the last year has seen our activity in this sector increase at a rapid rate. In addition, research is showing that consumers are increasingly demanding expert opinions on tyre replacement. The correct torque loadings for wheel nuts, care of expensive alloys and precision balancing are, quite rightly, areas of genuine concern. These developments, coupled with car dealers’ gradual realisation of the profit potential, have triggered us to strengthen and restructure our car dealership operations.”

James Marriott joins from a 19-year career with Michelin where for the past five years he was a Formula 1 Race Tyre Engineer, responsible for technical liaison with the Renault World Championship-winning team in 2005. He will be responsible for training and sales development covering the North West and Midlands.

John Welsh whose long experience in the industry includes ownership of Tyrecall – the first mobile tyre service in the UK – together with major sales management and business development roles with national companies, will manage training and sales development for Scotland, Ireland and the North East from his Glasgow base.

The restructure also sees Karl Naylor, Group Tyre director of commercial operations, assuming greater responsibility for the Car Dealership Department, with Terry Cuttell continuing to offer strength in depth to the team.

Andrew Smith, previously Training and Sales Manager for the North, will now perform a specialised role as National Implants Manager, responsible for implementing implant technicians and tyre sales resources at dealership sites, while Tony Knock continues Group Tyre representation in the South.

“These appointments emphasise our growing commitment to a sector with tremendous profit opportunities. At Group Tyre we work with manufacturers and dealerships to maximise the returns for our partners. The key is providing a dedicated replacement tyre service – to OE factory-approved standards – to a dealership customer base, with total expertise matched to competitive pricing. Group Tyre can offer a complete turn-key operation, covering every aspect, from training and equipment supply, through same-day delivery service of frontline brands to used casing disposal. The continuing support of our strengthened and totally dedicated team means that our customers can offer a tyre service that is unmatched in quality. Our commitment to this sector remains total and we will continue to invest in training and services to the benefit of dealerships and customers alike,” Karl Naylor concluded.