Parts Alliance “double digit growth” in 2011 market share

Steve Fulford, chairman of The Parts Alliance says the last year has been a successful one for the parts distributor, with a new, expanded head office opening and continued growth in market share. While 2011 hasn’t exactly provided the sustained growth that one could have hoped for, Fulford says the aftermarket’s continued buoyancy, particularly in the first half of the year, and the trend he reports of more motorists turning to the services of independent garages for cost savings, the prospects for next year are good.

Fulford suggests that if the aftermarket is to continue to grow effectively in a consolidated and competitive market, it cannot solely rely upon price as the key differentiator: “It still needs to be better trained, equipped and business fit – if it is to survive and continue to offer an alternative service to franchised dealer workshops. Understanding the ‘culture’ and business environment of customers is important to ensure the aftermarket remains one step ahead and continues to offer the complete package of service and product.

“2011 has been a successful year of growth, development and success for The Parts Alliance members, increasing market share, with double digit growth. Our new 10,000sqft high tech offices opened at the beginning of the year providing us with a central facility for all our key operations. The group has experienced acquisitions and new branch openings reinforcing its position as the major force in the distribution of parts and business services in the UK automotive aftermarket and is allowing us to better serve independents.

“Expansion is always exciting, but even more so in a challenging economic climate. As part of our growth strategy we are significantly investing in our UK infrastructure, encouraging growth here.  We are driving business from within and growing our existing members’ facilities to support our national strength, whilst bolstering our local service to independent garages. 

“Our ambition to ensure that independent garages have the latest technical offer and the knowledge to compete with franchised dealers, has given us the impetus to develop and set the industry standard for garage management systems and parts catalogues. GS Onestop and Allicat Online II were built in consultation with the aftermarket and both launched this year.”

Fulford states a belief in the advance of technology in partnership with the company’s customers, suggesting that “new systems and technical offers to the aftermarket need to be developed with garage owners and leading garage technicians, to ensure the system truly meets customer needs and requirements.” Changes both potential and imminent in legislation as well as new emerging trends such as the growth in diesel vehicles, will inevitably impact the aftermarket in 2012, Fulford says. “However investment in technical training, IT systems and diagnostic technology will ensure that garages can equip themselves ahead of change and invest in their survival.”

In 2012 The Parts Alliance chairman says the company is “committed to raising the standards of the aftermarket with over 160 branches offering state-of-the-art training facilities and more of our members becoming IMI accredited. We want to make it easy for all garages to work with us, so they can concentrate on their core skills, which are servicing and repairing vehicles.”

“The aftermarket cannot standstill next year and we, as one of the leading business groups, will not rest on our laurels either. We remain one of the most progressive and innovative companies ensuring our members and customers continue to grow and remain profitable in these challenging times.”

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