Andrew Page: 2015 the ‘best year’

Leading autoparts and workshop equipment distributor, Andrew Page, has declared its financial year ending 30th September 2015 as its best yet, following record revenues and investment, a major industry award, and a commitment to further expansion in 2016.

“This is another year in which Andrew Page has experienced significant growth,” explained Mark Saunders, Andrew Page chief executive, “everyone in the company should feel immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that have enabled this success.”

An investment of over £8 million in the business has been a key focus for Andrew Page in 2015, this has resulted in a new mezzanine floor and huge stock injection into Markham Vale, an upgrade to the fleet with 500 new delivery vans and significant investment in an enhanced digital telephone system.

This has allowed the company to deliver an even higher level of customer service across its 110 nationwide branches, which include the former Unipart depots that are now fully integrated into the Andrew Page network. Finally following the new branch opening in Cardiff this month, a new site in Woodford Green will open before the end of the year, another seven are planned over the next financial year.

Reward and recognition has also played its role and, in addition to continual investment in staff training and development, over £750,000 has been paid in performance-related bonuses to branch and warehouse employees.

In recognition of its transformation over the last 12 months, Andrew Page was crowned Motor Factor of the Year, at the Motor Trader Industry Awards in July, fighting off fierce competition from industry rivals.

New initiatives, including click and collect internet ordering, along with the brand’s first retail site, were successfully launched and the company continued its successful AutoInsider Live! trade shows with five separate events across the UK. Designed to help qualified and aspiring vehicle technicians stay up to date with the latest developments in the automotive aftermarket, the series of one day events features presentations, technical seminars, live demonstration areas and exhibits by many of the automotive industry’s leading suppliers.

“Our wide ranging activities have introduced more people than ever to trade with Andrew Page and experience our customer focus first hand,” explained Simon Mullin, sales & marketing director at Andrew Page.

“This has been an amazing year,” explained Jim Sumner, executive chairman of Andrew Page. “Today, the business is unrecognisable from where we were 18 months ago, and a rejuvenated Andrew Page is in great shape to tackle the challenges as the market evolves.”

Andrew Page was 1917, his son James, formed Andrew Page Limited in 1946. The company is an independent distributor of quality vehicle components, workshop equipment, tools and diagnostics. From its Leeds headquarters it controls all nationwide branches and employs over 2,600 people.

The company has grown progressively and underlined its national reach. This includes purchasing the Camberley Auto Factors (CAF) branch network in the south of England, acquiring 21 Unipart Automotive branches following the collapse of the company in 2014, and the subsequent rebranding as Andrew Page, The Autoparts People.