Point S’s strategy of future-proofing tyre retail – two businesses’ point-of-view

Following the news that Point S has broken through the 300-branch mark in terms of its UK tyre retail growth, Tyres & Accessories engaged with the experience of two of the network’s members. Here, Point S Tyre & Autocare Network members Gary Benwell and Russell Parker discuss how the network’s strategy of future-proofing tyre retail has boosted the profitability of their businesses.

Independent garages and tyre dealers don’t have it easy. Faced with an onslaught of challenges, from labour shortages and parts supply issues to digitalisation and changes in technology driven by electrification, aftermarket professionals are being tested to their limits.

In this environment, it is imperative that independent tyre dealers and car maintenance centres have the support that they need to not only survive, but to thrive. Gary Benwell, director of Basingstoke Autocentre, Value Tyres and Mot & Tyre Centre, and Russell Parker, managing director of Plume Tyre Service, have taken the steps to ensure that they are on the receiving end of such support.

Both Gary and Russell took the decision to join the Point S Tyre & Autocare Network. A core aspect of the network’s philosophy is to enable Point S members to take their businesses to the next level of profitability.

Point S’ comprehensive approach towards greater profitability for its members is anchored in its ability to provide better up-front pricing on a wide selection of high-quality parts and tyres. Gary Benwell is particularly enthusiastic of this, noting: “It is brilliant that, as members of the Point S Tyre & Autocare Network, our centres have access to so many excellent
product options. We can liaise directly with the tyre and parts manufacturers, too, which invariably leads to building a relationship with them and getting better value for money.”

Basingstoke Autocentre, Value Tyres and MOT & Tyre Centre has now reached what Benwell refers to as the “harmonisation period” with Point S – having the network’s signage alongside its own at all of its centres.

“It’s a good balance between running your own business and having Point S on-hand to help out where possible,” he added, explaining that this gets to the crux of another essential facet of Point S’ approach – ensuring that the independent businesses that come into the network retain their independence:

“The fact that we have been able to continue to be independent, as opposed to being enveloped by a corporate brand, has been a huge advantage for us, and has ensured that we can approach the future in our own way, but with the help of Point S.”

Perhaps the best example of the ‘help’ that Gary refers to is the exclusive access that Point S gives its members to its range of Point S tyres, lubcricants, wiper blades and bulbs. Commenting on what continues to draw him towards the network, Russell Parked said: “access to the Point S range of products, namely the Point S tyre”. Produced exclusively for the Point S network, the Point S tyre range is developed, tested, and manufactured in Europe, and is available for Point S members across the globe.

Russell stressed the popularity of these tyres, enthusing: “As a member of the Point S garage network, our branches have the option to sell the range of Point S tyres. These products are hugely popular; we sell them in droves, and this has made our business more profitable. In our area, the product is essentially ours; nobody else can sell it, so if somebody wants one, they must either come to us, or visit another Point S dealer. Once you get one tyre on a vehicle, the owner will invariably end up getting the other three tyres at some point. It’s a quality product, and we’re thrilled to have access to it.”

Feedback of this nature sits particularly well with Wayne Daniel who said: “The access that our members have to a range of products from the numerous parts and tyre manufacturers that we have contracts with, as well as the exclusive access they have to our Point S range of products, enables them to become more profitable. Hearing it directly from members gives my team and I the motivation we need to keep growing the network and making a difference to businesses up and down the country.

“As the UK arm of an internationally recognised brand, our members are uniquely positioned as local experts with global backing. This ensures that they can remain fully independent and in control of their business, but with the added security and strength of a global business.”

Founded in 1971, Point S has more than 5,800 points of sale worldwide. The company is present in 50 countries and on five continents. Together, the group sells over 18 million tyres a year and has consolidated retail sales of over $4.1 billion.