Servicesure Autocentres launches new voice for independent garages

The first meetings of National Advisory Panels, established by Servicesure Autocentres in order “to give independent garages a voice on key issues and influence business services provided to them,” have been held. The inaugural meeting of the Servicesure Autocentres National Advisory Panel for England & Wales took place in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Like its counterpart in Scotland, which met in Edinburgh, the Panel will meet every six months to discuss important topics related to the aftermarket and how independent garages who are members of the network can be helped to achieve even better businesses. Each panel is made up of six owners who serve between 12 and 36 months.

Paul Dineen, head of garage programmes for The Parts Alliance, which runs the Servicesure Autocentres network, said: “We feel it is vitally important that independent garage owners have a platform to air their views, both on the challenges they face day-to-day in running profitable businesses but also to feedback to us views on new services, or improvements to existing ones, that we can provide for them.

“We have a number of initiatives that we would like to offer to independent garages but instead of just saying ‘here you are, this is what we are offering’ we feel it is absolutely right to take a collaborative approach and get their views so both sides get the maximum out of it.”

Several new services for Servicesure Autocentres members were unveiled, including bespoke insurance for garages, laundered workwear, an enhanced marketing pack for presenting to local fleet managers and the national specialist toolhire programme Toolhireclub.com.

Kevin Pearce, joint owner of Cedar Garage, in Worthing, West Sussex, was elected chairman of the England & Wales panel. He said: “We very much welcome Servicesure Autocentres taking the initiative and setting up these advisory panels.

“As garage owners we are in the workshop every day meeting new challenges, as vehicle technology advances and customer expectations change. Being able to voice our first-hand experiences through the panel means we can influence the services the network provides and work together in a genuine partnership.”

Marc Light, proprietor of The Garage (Motherwell) Ltd and chairman of the Scotland panel, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local garages to get on board with national suppliers and finally create a functional garage scheme that is both representative and relevant of the industry. It’s an amazing opportunity and something I am very proud to be involved in.”

Other topics covered at the two panel meetings included promotion of Servicesure Autocentres’ National Warranty and opportunities around emerging technology.

There were also presentations from a number of suppliers, including from Delphi on the latest telematics and diagnostics.