News 12 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2024 The owner of an award-winning garage in Derbyshire has shared what lies behind its success — and how the power of being online has helped it get to where it is today. Julian Hazeldine said when he took over Stoney Cross Garage he knew that being online was key to making it work. In fact, his belief in the power of the internet to get the business going was so strong, he paid for the website with his own money until the garage could afford to take over the monthly subscription cost. It’s a strategy that paid off. Stoney Cross is the current holder of the Servicesure Autocentre of the Year award and its five ramps are constantly booked up three weeks in advance. Hazeldine said: “The impact the website has had on the business is massive. When I took over the garage it was only small. Most of the customers were friends of the previous owners so it was like starting from scratch. “Even all those years ago, I knew a website was key to not just establishing the garage, but to its continual growth and ongoing success. “Servicesure recommended Garage Services Online (GSO) and we’ve never looked back. They are outstanding, both in terms of customer service and being specialists in independent garage websites. We rank at the top of a Google search for most of our services.” Hazeldine said repeat customers make up around 60% of the business and the website consistently generates the other 40%. “We get up to 20 online enquiries every week via the website. People also say they call us after reading our Google reviews and being directed to a very professional website. It’s easy to navigate and just sells the garage services for us. Customers love it.” Jim Lang, MD at GSO, said: “When I took the initial call from Julian years ago, Stoney Cross was a very different garage to the one it is today. “It’s been wonderful to watch the business evolve, and the website has grown with it. It’s an online mirror of the professional, award-winning garage on the ground. And that’s the secret behind a seamless experience for the customer.” Reeves urged to give auto sector budget boost Ministers are being urged to use the upcoming autumn budget to chart a new course for car dealerships and boost the wider garage sector. The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said on September 11 it was recommending three key areas for action by the new government, including boosting the automotive sector by driving vehicle electrification, creating a more equitable business rates framework and developing a clearer plan for future road taxation policy. NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said the budget, scheduled for October 30, would be the first under a Labour government since 2010, presenting a crucial opportunity for the new administration to define and articulate its vision for the future of the sector. Robinson said: “NFDA continues to oppose increases in fuel duty rates, which will only impose higher costs for British motorists at a time of relative global instability, adding to the burden of rising insurance premiums — a concern also addressed in the submission.” She said the budget would be a chance for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves (pictured), to demonstrate the government’s support for the sector. “The right policies can ensure the industry prospers in the coming years during the transition to electric. Dealerships have already made significant investments in this shift. “As we near the end of the year, a key focus will be the ZEV mandate, particularly as the EV market share remains below the 22% target set for this year,” Robinson said. “By restimulating the private EV market through price incentives, establishing a more equitable business rates framework, developing a clearer plan for future road taxation policy and improving the UK motorist experience, the government can support the industry in achieving its far-reaching objectives. “NFDA urges the chancellor to drive investment in the economy and address the needs of the automotive retail sector as a priority.” Award-winning garage says website is key to its success
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