The Eurorepar Car Service (ERCS) network has set its sights on becoming one of the largest independent garage networks in the country, with a target of 1,000 members by 2031.
The ambition is underpinned by a nationwide recruitment drive that has added seven new business performance managers to the team. Between them they cover every region of the UK, supporting members with everything from increasing profitability and driving efficiencies to delivering outstanding customer service, and bringing members closer to network decision-making. Alongside this hands-on support, the managers will help roll out a new suite of tools and software designed to improve workshop efficiency, business management and customer service as it becomes available.
ERCS is the only national garage network to combine a consolidated spare parts distribution network with professional aftersales support, a model it believes gives independent workshops a competitive edge against franchised dealers.
Neil Gibbs, UK Country Manager for Octago and Head of the ERCS network, explained: “We’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to further boost our support to members and ensure we have the people, capacity and tools required to support the growth of our independent garage partners. With the infrastructure we have built, we see no reason why we cannot reach 1,000 members by 2031, which would make us one of the largest players in the UK market.”
He added: “Scale is what allows us to support members even more. The more workshops that stand together, the more weight we carry when we negotiate on their behalf, and the stronger our buying power on parts, consumables and equipment than any single site could command. It lets us invest in the tools and training that keep members competitive, and it builds a national brand that motorists already trust before they walk through the door.”
The target comes off the back of news that more than 100 garages had expressed an interest in joining ERCS since its debut appearance at this year’s UK Garage and Bodyshop Event (UK GBE).
Gibbs, however, is clear about where the network’s focus lies: “That level of interest is hugely encouraging, but our priority remains the members we already have. If we keep working even closer with them and helping them run the best businesses they can, the growth will follow off the back of that success.”
