Point S UK reflects on successful 2011, seeks new members

Over 70 Point S UK members, staff and suppliers gathered in Solihull yesterday to reflect on the independent retail network’s development in 2011 and plans for 2012. At the end of 2011 Point S UK had 45 members and 125 points of sale. And although the group opted to slow down additions to its membership in order to ensure high standards, this is still ahead of initial goals of 100 plus points of sale within two years of the network’s inception. That said the group is now revving up its membership once again, with ambitious targets and plans for national coverage. Looking around the mini-exhibition hall next door to the conference presentations you can see that that Point S UK is still growing and gaining influence in the market.

During the course of the day’s presentations led by Point S UK CEO John Cowderoy, the company reveal fascinating insights into its structure, organisation and plans for the future. For example, despite the fact that the tyre retail business has been experience a challenging time due to the wider economic environment, the retail chain maintains a target of 250 points of sale in the UK. Executives will of course be on the look out for any high quality independent businesses looking to join the network, but it is also likely that the next raft of members will be of the medium sized variety.

Further developments discussed during the course of the day include the development of the new point-s.co.uk website and all that comes with this. Targeting the business opportunities provided by fleets and car dealerships is something else that is on the horizon. However, it is likely that this development will be dependant on the Point S UK’s ability to realize its goal 250 points of sale and the national coverage that comes with this.

The French market-style mini-exhibition that Point S UK played host to was something that was remarkable about the event. With stands and managers from the likes of Pirelli, Goodyear Dunlop, Continental, Cooper Tire Europe, Hankook, Yokohama, Linglong, Sapphire, Hofmann Megaplan, Rema Tip Top and Autogem in attendance, this demonstrated the kudos attributed to the new network. Something that was summed up by Autogem’s Prashant Chopra who commented that there was an “excellent turn out in terms of the number of suppliers present” and highlighted the forward thinking nature of members:

“It clearly shows how important Point S members are to some of the biggest brands in our industry. The quality of these members once again shone through with the questions they asked of us, it is clear these are businesses that are progressive and keen to meet the tough market conditions and challenges our industry is presented with as a whole. For our part we were delighted with the supplier session, we only wish we had more time to deal with the queue of members wishing to speak with us about our programmes.”

For complete coverage of this event keep an eye on Tyrepress.com and look out for the June 2012 issue of Tyres & Accessories.