The manager of one of the latest independent garages to join the First Stop retail network is committed to creating the most welcoming customer environment in the industry, supported by an all-female front desk. Kim Dorr decided to embark on a career in the industry to dispel common stereotypes associated with garage forecourts after feeling intimidated and undermined when taking her car to the garage. She aimed to create a warm, welcoming environment at Northampton-based In Town Automotive, featuring a children’s play area, a screen showing live video updates of technicians’ work, and bunches of fresh flowers from the local florist. Now Dorr is heralding a new chapter for the centre as it gains national sales, marketing and purchasing support from the First Stop network.