Whether maintaining your offerings, or looking to invest in new services, it seems strange that now is likely to be an ideal time to take the plunge.
Your options: Post-‘lockdown’ and beyond The coronavirus has and continues to affect us all, leading Rob Marshall to query how quality equipment suppliers have reacted so far this year and what they are doing to help aftermarket businesses create a profitable future.
What happened during lockdown? One of the most interesting aspects of looking back into the spring/summer was that quality and well-established suppliers of garage equipment did not experience a collapse in their businesses. Based near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Butts of
Pro-align of Towcester, Northamptonshire, furloughed the majority of its team but maintained a breakdown emergency service to support its customers during the period. Sealey remained open throughout and, while it recalls a drop in sales at the beginning of lockdown, the levels are now as good as
While the Hunter Alignment system is a long-term investment, Pro-align reports that many customers will achieve payback within a very short period. The supplier realises that every customer is different, however, which explains why it offers a variety of options, from the entrylevel PA200 Lite, to the newly-launched Quick Check Drive (pictured).
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
When the United Kingdom entered enforced lockdown, the country entered waters that had been unchartered within living memory. As the government made formal announcements in response to the rapidly changing situation, we all had to adapt quickly. Regardless of whether individual garages remained open, or closed their doors until lockdown ended, many businesses re-evaluated their investment plans for 2020 and beyond. While some independents took the unfortunate decision to shut for good, other businesses took stock and made the best of the challenging situation. The subsequent arrival of attractive finance deals, plus new loans and grants, have helped to counteract lost work, especially while the MOT Test extension was in force.
Bawtry reports that, like many other businesses, its internet orders increased during lockdown, a situation that has not abated.
23
