Independent offers ‘hard franchise’

10 August 2012  

AN INDEPENDENT garage in Coventry is about to branch out by using a ‘hard franchise’ model after only three years in business.

In 2009, recruitment consultant Andy Fox decided to switch from the business that he knew – and into one that he didn’t.  Since he founded Independent Automotive UK, which is an independent German car specialist with an appearance similar to a franchised dealer, the order book gone from empty to being filled with a reported 5,000 customers.

Would-be garage owners will be able to buy into the concept, which will be essentially a ‘turnkey’ operation, with garage equipment, staff recruitment and payroll as well as software and tools all taken care of.

“Garage owners who set up a second garage often fail because they are mechanics, not business people,” says Fox.

“I’ve  shown that you do not have to be a mechanic to run a successful car-servicing business. Instead, what is required is sound business and customer service skills.”

Independent Automotive UK was this year nominated as one of the top-20 most trusted garages by Motor Codes.