Mid-Devon garage records most profitable period with new ownership, First Stop membership

The Cully Tyres & Autocare team (r-l): Gary Thomson, Shaun Rockett, Justin Dymond, Scott Morgan and Ollie Nesbitt-Smith (Photo: First Stop)

Mid-Devon garage Cully Tyres & Autocare is enjoying its most profitable period of trading since new owners took over in May 2022. The biggest independent tyre dealer in Cullompton recently invested £100,000 on a wide-ranging refurbishment, new equipment and opting to become a member of the First Stop network. Cully Tyres & Autocare, formerly known as Marsh Tyres, has recruited new staff and now offers additional automotive services, such as repairs and solutions for electric vehicles and hybrids. As a result of its First Stop membership, the branch has also broadened its range of premium tyre brands in stock, naturally featuring the ranges from First Stop parent company, Bridgestone and its Firestone brand.

One of Cully Tyres’ biggest periods of growth also coincides with the appointment of 17-year-old Exeter College apprentice Oliver Nesbitt and the arrival of experienced mechanic Sean Rockett from Wellington, it says.

Cully Tyres & Autocare co-owner Gary Thomson said: “We are extremely proud to be part of the Cullompton community and we can’t thank our customers enough for coming back to us again and again and for placing their trust in us.

“We have always been blessed by long-term relationships with our long-standing customer base and we have been able to supplement this with a new generation of motorists who also value the service we provide.

Cully Tyres & Autocare in Cullompton has been given an extensive interior and exterior refurbishment, to the delight of co-owners Scott Morgan (left) and Gary Thomson (Photo: First Stop)

Co-owner Scott Morgan added: “Becoming a First Stop member has been a shrewd decision, as we are now backed by a national network, which has helped us operate more efficiently.”

Striking signage, new diagnostic equipment and a more comfortable reception area are now in place, while Cully Tyres can now offer a full range of diagnostic work. It is also positioned as a specialist in Volkswagen repair work.

First Stop’s retail network manager Mark Widdows said: “We’re so happy to be able to work with the Cully Tyres team and even happier to hear of their upturn in business fortunes.

“We identified the centre as one we’d love to work with, precisely because Gary, Scott and the team share our same values. It’s extremely satisfying to be able to offer them support in a number of ways, including marketing, promotions and staff training.”