The seventeen-strong Motormania chain and Midland Car Parts have been put into administration. Grant Thornton has been appointed as the administrators for the two companies which traded under Richard C Hartley Limited. The 25-year-old business employs 92 people across its sites.
Will Rimell
Will Rimell is the Editor of CAT Magazine, the leading publication for the construction and transport industries. With a keen eye for industry trends and a passion for heavy machinery, Will oversees the magazine’s editorial direction, ensuring readers stay informed on everything from infrastructure projects to the latest plant equipment. His commitment to high-quality, investigative journalism has made CAT a trusted voice for professionals across the sector.
Articles by Will Rimell (3993)
Halfords, strap wrenches and grass seed
Halfords has got a bit of a roasting from Which? for poor levels of customer service this week.
It gives me the opportunity to tell you my number one favourite story about stock and customers service.
DELPHI UPDATES TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Delphi has updated its Warwickshire training centre to provide better learning opportunities for its staff and to showcase its range of Hartridge test equipment. The centre’s new layout gives Delphi almost 20,000 square feet of space. The site features several fully equipped workshops.
Which? customer service survey slams doors on Halfords
A survey of 11,000 shoppers by consumer magazine Which? has rated Halfords as the worst high street retailer. The survey was carried out to highlight the best and worst performing shops on the UK high street.
GEA training to put new focus on MOT calibration
The Garage Equipment Association’s Engineer’s Accreditation Programme will take a new focus on preparing technicians for the MOT test. A new emphasis will be put on calibration practices for brake testers, with an aim to eradicate bad practice.
CLASSIC CARS EXEMPT FROM MOT TEST
Vehicles registered before 1960 are no longer required to have an MOT test, the Department for Transport has announced. Roads Minister Mike Penning said the move is part of red tape-cutting measures inside the government. He reasons that classic and historic cars are often scrupulously maintained.
CAT distributor lives: Saxon
Nissan and Starbucks might be creating thousands of jobs, but consultancy firm Deloitte says nearly 10,000 workers were let go in the first quarter as Past Times, Peacocks, Game, La Senza, and Blacks all faltered on the High Street. It’s not a particularly cheery backdrop for Saxon Distribution to be selling into car accessory retailers then.
"Other trades charge for their skills so why shouldn’t garages?"
"A car is a technical piece of engineering, requiring in-depth knowledge and skill to service and maintain it, this cannot possible be done at rock bottom prices." That's what Mill Autoquip's Damian Milling thinks, do you agree?
The CAT Council: factor responses
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“Garages should be charging £40 to £50 per hour - they need to be considerably lower than the main dealers to encourage the public to show what a great service they provide.
The Tool Connection launches YouTube channel
Tool and equipment specialist The Tool Connection has set up a dedicated channel on YouTube. The company says it will be using the video sharing site to promote its brands and the products it offers. Tool Connection says part of the aim of its videos will be to let users see new products in action before deciding to buy.