6 new retailers join Point S UK

Huw Lewis, Angus Tyres Ltd, Lindleys Autocentre, Express Tyre Service, Discount Tyres and Tyrecare St Helens Ltd have all joined the Point S retail buying group in the UK. According to the company, the Point S UK membership, continues to grow despite fluctuations on the continent. The growth is said to demonstrate “the confidence that tyre professionals have in our industry expertise and will ensure that we strengthen our position as the leading tyre dealer network” the company said in an internal publication announcing the additions to its network.

Of course growth is in size and scale is always a positive in a retail buying group as it enables such a group to achieve “even greater value for all members”, as Point S stated, adding that “our reach into the valuable fleet market and offering consistent marketing and development support to your business.”

Following the news, Point S representatives confirmed to Tyres & Accessories that the recent signings have added 14 depots on to the network. This means Point S UK can now count 197 depots amongst its number. According to managing director John Cowderoy, the 200 depot-mark should be broken through by the end of September and the Point S name should enter Northern Ireland during October. When T&A last met with Point S executives in May, the branch count totalled 186 in the UK, suggesting there has been consistent growth since then. More details on both these points will follow as they become available.

New Point S website

Around the same time Point S has also launched a new website, which allows members to take advantage of the Point S pricing platform on their own websites. Maintained in the UK by Point S, the platform appears like an integrated element the member’s own website and is designed to make it easier for motorists to book a ‘reserve and fit’ appointment online with yourselves, without the hassle of registering a new website domain. This addition is provided free of charge, with no monthly commission charges.

Furthermore members will now be able to keep in touch with the very latest news and updates from Point S in real time through the chain’s new social media channels – predominantly via Twitter and Facebook. As a result of this development Point S says it will monitor and “respond immediately” to any emerging industry developments and maintain a constant dialogue with members.

“We can also let you know immediately about any opportunities or special offers that may be of interest to your business”, the company explained, adding that Point S can be found with the following Twitter handle @PointSUK.

An early example of Point S’s Twitter marketing was its recent ‘Point to the S’ Twitter selfie competition, which was won by Hull-based Tyremen. The prize was for them and 9 friends to ride in a VIP private pod of the iconic London Eye, complete with champagne. However rather than accepting the trip themselves, Tyremen donated it to Hull-based charity, the Smile Foundation, who raffled the prize and raised an amazing £300.