Here we catch up with Allan Biggs, Director of Grove Autos following the business recently being awarded the Enterprise Repair Partner Award 2024 for Best Fleet Repair Partner – South East.
How would you ‘sell’ your business to prospective capacity acquirers?
We are sustainable and meet PAS2060 requirements. We are a small family-run business that meets and exceeds BS10125. We never over promise and are realistic with SLAs.
What makes your business ‘award winning’?
Maybe this is more a question for the work provider but it’s important to understand the provider’s needs and expectations, and always be communicative; if there are issues we try to deal with them ‘head on’ and be open and honest.
Enterprise needs to keep its vehicles on the road and we fully understand the need for prompt throughput. We have a small team with a lot of experience and we have to be efficient and adaptable to maintain the key-to-key times we currently achieve. It’s not unusual for our VDA to drop a car back to branch or our panel beater to lend a hand cleaning a car. Personally, I enjoy being at work and facing the challenges it brings and it’s a pleasure working with the team we have.
How would you describe the industry at present?
I’ve seen many changes over my career of 37 years in the industry. Compliance has changed it for the better. Work provision is more than adequate and I feel that the industry is becoming more valued by insurers and work providers. I would never class myself as a businessman – I came from being a mechanic – however, I feel that bodyshops have some of the most talented people out there running them, because it takes resourcefulness, patience, efficiency and extremely hard work with long hours. But if you get the mix right the profits will come.
What do you see as your greatest opportunity?
I work with my eldest son, who is a partner in the company. On a personal level my aim is to eventually leave the business in a solid situation to provide an ongoing incoming for him, the staff and my grandchildren.
What one issue do you feel will impact the sector most in the coming years?
Green issues and the move to EVs are already having a big influence, as is the huge push on sustainability. This will see recycling, energy saving and environmental considerations being major considerations for work providers.
I also feel we will see a move in the future to even less direct ownership of private vehicles, especially in ‘chimney pot’ areas such as ours. Leasing and rental is becoming more prevalent.
What steps are you taking to future-proof the business?
We purchased and moved to our current location during the first lockdown of 2020. The site was in a dilapidated condition. We refurbished it completely by August of 2020, using the opportunity to install LED lighting, solar panels, in-floor scissor lifts, and the latest tech spray oven.
We are always looking at equipment and methods that boost sustainability and help streamline repairs. The fact that the property is owned by the company means that investment in the maintenance and improvement of the site is always worthwhile.
