Point S adds electric vehicle focus to UK network growth

Founded in France in 1971, Point S Group is now present in 48 countries across four continents. Point S officially launched in the UK in 2011 and therefore celebrated a decade on these shores last year. Just as Tyres & Accessories was on-hand when pre-launch discussions were taking place on the fringes of the Reifen Essen show back in 2010, while the market prepared for Tire Cologne 2022, we caught up with network manager Wayne Daniel in order to find out more.

As of January 2022, the Point S Tyre & Autocare network totalled 177 members, running 276 branches between then. The current total is more than that and the overall figure could have been greater still, but Point S’s quality-over-quantity approach has helped it focus on the places that most benefit the network’s ongoing strategy. In in any case, the current figures illustrate just how far Point S has come in the last decade. Indeed, the fact that Point S began with around 56 points of sale back in 2011 means the network is now roughly five times the size it was back then.

Whatever country Point S operates in, the network’s purpose remains the same. Company literature explains it like this: “our mission is to defend the independence of all our members within our network and support their profitability around the world.” By leveraging the combined sale its independent members – which currently amounts to sales of around 18 million tyres alone – Point S is able to help member businesses profit.

Staying on the subject of tyres, Point S membership brings with it access to at least 15 well-known tyre brands as well as the group’s Point S private brand, which is manufactured by a well-respected European producer – not to mention connections with three large wholesalers.

But that’s just tyres, it takes more than just tyres to run a tyre specialist. Tyre shops can’t do without garage consumables such as valves, TPMS sensors and tyre soap. And increasingly, tyre specialists are adding servicing and mechanical repairs to their remit in an understandable effort to maintain growth in challenging circumstances. As well Point S’s obviously beneficial connections with the likes of Autogem and Rema Tip Top, the group is connected to garage equipment suppliers such as Corghi, Hofmann Megaplan as well as Hella Gutmann. More recently the network has developed its relationships with the likes of Brembo, Ecobat, Mobile and Distrigo plus Parts Alliance and Euro Car Parts.

In addition, Point S now offers exclusive Point S branded batteries, bulbs and wiper blades as well as its well-known private brand tyre range.

Aiming to be the biggest EV maintenance network

Moving forward, Point S is increasing its focus on electric vehicles with a view to helping garages take care of the cars of the future, now. Indeed, that is one reason why the network is investing in its UK training department. Specifically, Point S is aiming “to be the largest qualified and certified European network for EV maintenance by 2026.” In other words, the goal is to help independents take “future-proof their business”.

To that end, Point S is developing a training programme, which will be spearheaded by an as-yet unnamed training manager. But even before that appointment is made public, Point S has invested in two new business development managers to help drive its overall business forward.

For example, in mid-April 2022 it emerged that Point S Tyre & Autocare Network had appointed Nigel Hampson as business development/project manager, the growing tyre retail group has since officially welcomed Hampson, who is indicative of a number of recent personnel investments the network has made as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.

According to Point S UK representatives, Hampson’s role will include overseeing new product development, as well as responsibility for business development in the South West.

“We are delighted to welcome Nigel into the team during such an exciting stage in our development”, Wayne Daniel, UK network operations manager commented, explaining: “The Point S Tyre & Autocare Network is committed to strategic growth in the UK, working with ambitious members who share our vision and want to futureproof their business.”

Nigel Hampson added, “Point S is now recognised as the largest independent tyre and automotive repair network in the world. The network’s winning formula is really starting to shine through in the UK market, and I’m delighted to be joining the team at such a positive stage in its development.”