Powering up distributors in the motor factor industry
Tyre inflation expert PCL prides itself on helping customers flourish and in recent years the focus has been on supporting customers on the post-pandemic road to recovery whilst gearing up for changes in the automotive industry.
PCL’s Partner+ scheme provides distributors with an exclusive range of incentives, including advantageous trading terms along with bespoke marketing support. As one of the first to sign up for Partner+ in 2020, Northern Ireland-based motor factor buying group FG7 (Factor Group 7) has reported seeing benefits for its members.
Kevin O’Kane, FG7’s Managing Director has been confident that access to PCL’s extensive range of products, coupled with expert marketing support, is the key to driving forward sales and creating new business.
The collaboration adds significant weight to FG7’s concept of providing its 33 members with unrivalled buying opportunities and the leverage of having rapid access to a huge range of products, especially for those who do not have the ability to hold stock.
FG7, formed in 2000, delivers three times a day from a 66,000 square foot facility. Commercial Manager Peter Cox said, “We are a one-stop shop, so instead of ordering from a multitude of suppliers, our members can make a whole stock order once a day, or place repeat orders multiple times through the day.
“Our job is to grow business using suppliers who make it as easy as possible for all of our members to buy the product and sell it on, which means we have to be competitive. PCL has quality products at the right price with the availability and back up we need - and they support us in the right way.
“They visit members themselves, helping them in their own locality, making sure they are aware of the latest products to stock and training staff as well as providing merchandise stands.
“PCL’s Area Sales Manager Michael Dooker is a great guy, very knowledgeable and supportive, Ben Spotswood provides excellent support with tailored marketing promotions, and in terms of lead time and service, we get the product quickly.
“Last but not least, PCL has a similar ethos to FG7. They are family-orientated with 85 years of design and manufacturing experience – and at FG7 some of our directors are second generation, so together we have a wealth of experience and expertise to offer our members.”
One of FG7’s directors is Raymond Goss, owner of Newry-based P&R Wholesale and a founding member of both FG7 and PCL’s Partner+ programme. PCL recently installed a merchandise stand for P&R, who offer a full range of PCL products in store.
Raymond said: “Our client base ranges from independent garages to individuals and car enthusiasts, and we pride ourselves on being able to offer the highest quality of products and service, no matter what the scale of purchase.
“Our partnerships with FG7 and PCL mean we are always geared up to move forward in line with changes within the automotive industry. We have a large and loyal customer base so it’s vital that our customers are happy with product performance and warranty – and we have complete trust in the longevity and quality of the PCL brand.”
PCL's Michael Dooker with Raymond Goss, owner of Newry-based P&R Wholesale
Other FG7 members who have recently reported successful installations of Partner+ merchandise stands include Cork-based Tadhg Hawes Motor Parts and Carryduff Autoparts in Belfast.
Tadhg Hawes said: “We are dedicated to exceeding customer needs effectively and efficiently. The support we receive from FG7 and PCL means we can maintain our reputation as one of the largest and most competitive automotive distributors in Cork, providing quality products that enable mechanics to perform at the highest level.”
Peter Scott at Carryduff Autoparts agreed, adding: “We are known for providing a helpful and reliable service and offering great value products. Together, FG7 and PCL provide us with the back-up and promotional support to keep operations running smoothly whilst ensuring we always have access to the latest, most advanced products on the market as well as time-served, traditional favourites.”
Carryduff Autoparts - Stuart Hossick [left] and Ian Scott [right]
PCL’s MD Lee Wright said: “Our Partner+ programme is going from strength to strength and we are delighted that we, alongside FG7, are proving so instrumental in helping our members to thrive. Through Partner+, PCL’s expert team can tailor-make the wraparound, strategic support necessary to meet businesses’ individual needs and challenges, ensuring they run smoothly and continue to develop and flourish.”
