Member Article

Gott puts the Spotlight on Independent Garages

LEADING North East-headquartered vehicle equipment supplier Gott Technical Services is reaffirming its commitment to the independent garages at the heart of its business.

Whilst serving a number of larger dealerships and becoming increasingly involved in public sector projects, the family-run company has recognised the value that independent garages bring to their business and has continued to make steps to provide a personal approach.

Gott Technical Services’ commitment to offering a bespoke service to independent garages stepped up a gear in October 2012 with the appointment of James Pattinson as equipment and tooling advisor. Part of James’ role is to support the independent garage owners of the North East, North West and North Yorkshire in tailoring the right equipment solutions for their individual sites.

During his first ten months at the company, James has focussed on building the independent garage portfolio that Gott Technical Services works with which has seen a further ten clients choosing to work with Gott as well as repeat business from long-term customers, which James puts down to Gott’s knowledge and understanding of independent garage owners’ unique industry perspective.

Gott Technical Services’ James said: “The recession has seen many customers short of disposable income which has led to repairs being neglected until it becomes absolutely necessary, leading to less work coming through garages generally. At the same time the recession also meant garage owners have had to look very carefully at the services they offer and in some cases add services in order to not sub-contract work elsewhere.

“The Government’s Vehicle Scrappage Scheme, which ran between 2009 and 2010 was regarded by the motor industry as a huge success due to the increase in sale of new cars, however it also contributed to a drop in garage repair customers. This has all meant independent garages have had to become very streamlined and competitive in recent years.

“Garage operational efficiency, cost-effective equipment and the design and layout of a garage are now all vital elements to get right in order to maximise the productivity of an independent garage. We have engineers on hand to provide equipment servicing and inspections that keeps our customers fully-operating in the industry, 24-7.

“Our aim is to support our customers by helping to re-think the design of their workshop and make them aware of the full range of products that are available these days to help them improve efficiency and productivity. Any issues are addressed at the design stage to ensure the appropriate investment is made.”

Most recently James oversaw G.K. Jackson & Sons in Morpeth in their workshop upgrade with a full MOT bay installed and two new vehicle lifts. The garage previously carried out MOTs but has had an extension to accommodate a dedicated MOT service area, effectively allowing for two MOTs to be carried out at the same time.

G.K. Jackson & Sons director Paul Jackson said: “The brand new fit-out will dramatically increase our productivity. As a small team, it’s essential that we operate to maximum capacity so we are really happy with James’ sharp recommendations and continued support throughout the process.”

Millennium MOT Centre in Newburn has been a long-standing customer of Gott Technical Services – recently benefitting from the installation of a two-post lift – and it also made the purchase of a wheel balancer this July. The workshop still operates efficiently with lifts fitted by Gott Technical Services over ten years ago.

Millennium MOT Centre owner Bill Doggett said: “We enjoy having long-term relationships with our suppliers and we make repeat business with Gott Technical Services for their expertise and reliability. The team understands our business and their service is very personal, which is a great quality to have and a very similar approach to how we like to deal with our own customers.”

Gott Technical Services director Ian Gott said: “Smaller businesses will remain at the core of our work as the company grows as they formed the foundations of our client base from the very beginning. We now also service multi-site motor retail groups and public sector facilities, but this is the result of having built trusted relationships with local independent businesses that will always be highly valued customers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gott Technical Services .