New Name, Same Service

In order to further improve its service, North Eastern Tyres and Exhauts (NETE) has now dedicated a side of its business to exclusively serving trade customers. With the establishment of NE Wholesale the company plans to focus will focus on the distribution side of the business and is looking to provide an “unparalleled level of service.”

NE Wholesale commercial director Gavin Marshall explained how service is ever important in such a rapidly evolving marketplace: “I feel that at NE Wholesale we operate in a completely different way from most of the tyre distribution market. We have worked terrifically hard to retain a low cost base while constantly increasing our levels of service, this means we offer up to 10 times a day delivery at the same levels of cost as some of our so-called larger competitors. The hard work done by our Group Tyre Head Office also allows us to deliver quality [exclusive brands] such as Federal and Maxxis as opposed to a hotchpotch offer of different lower quality options.

Marshall went on to explain how changes in UK socio-economics meant that N.E. Wholesale’s service offer was attractive to all sectors of the marketplace, motor dealers, independents and national chains. “We feel that the evolution in the tyre industry is partly due to a bigger picture of change that relates to the UK economy. Many people now have higher levels of disposable income but less time on their hands with the demands of modern day life. This means that if they require a tyre they want it quickly as their personal time is the most important factor. With such a wide range of tread patterns, OE specific fitments and speed ratings, it is almost impossible for your average local tyre dealer to meet the customer needs. The N.E. Wholesale offer ensures the correct tyre is delivered to the customer fast and at a competitive price thus satisfying the demands of the end user”.

2007 is expected to be an exciting time for N.E. Wholesale customers as the company continues to innovate in its approach. Partner Schemes that involve customers becoming centres of excellence, tailored training packages and further I.T. support are all planned. Internally the company will also focus on continuing to develop its own employees.

“As one of the few ‘Investors in People’ within the tyre industry it is clear that we have a strong belief that our people are the most important factor in our success. Our ongoing ‘Investor in People’ programme ensures we have a constant focus on training and development at all levels to ensure that our people are the best in the industry. While our competitors continue to talk about how they value the development of their employees we feel our Investors in People accreditation does our talking for us,” Gavin Marshall commented.

NE Wholesale has an eight-person field sales department operating throughout the North of England who say they are happy to visit potential customers in person before offering a tailored package. “A new stress free working life may only be a quick phone call away,” says Marshall.

NETE has a history in the tyre industry that stretches back over 30 years and the company is clearly very proud of its tradition and background. When the company was founded by Fred and Netta Darcy, the ethos was to offer great value along with an excellent service. When the company won the 2006 TAFF (Tyre and Fast Fit) award for Regional Wholesaler of the Year, current managing director Ian Darcy commented that he felt the award reflected the value and service his company offered their trade customers.