Point S UK has appointed Sarah Gumbley as National Network Development Manager, strengthening its focus on strategic network development as it targets its ambition of becoming the UK’s largest independent automotive service provider by 2035.
Bringing more than 13 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket to the role, Gumbley will lead the network’s efforts to identify, engage with, and support independent businesses looking to grow, with a particular focus on multi-site groups across the UK.
The appointment represents significant progress in Point S’s growth strategy, as the network looks to build on its existing national footprint while continuing to strengthen the proposition it offers to independent automotive businesses.
In her new role, Gumbley will target independent businesses with multi-site locations. Working alongside Point S’s regional Business Development Managers and sales teams across its five UK regions, she will identify potential new members and develop relationships with businesses that share the network’s ambition for sustainable growth.
Crucially, the strategy is focused on quality over quantity. Point S is looking to bring the right independent businesses into the network, ensuring future growth complements its existing membership and strengthens its national coverage without compromising the exclusivity that underpins its member proposition.Existing member territories will remain protected, with new opportunities assessed according to location, local market requirements, and the capabilities of both existing and prospective members.
Alongside identifying new members, Gumbley will also focus on helping existing businesses within the network realise their own growth ambitions. This will involve detailed analysis of individual businesses, tailored advice, and support designed to identify opportunities to expand sites, services, and overall operations. The objective is to ensure Point S’s growth strategy works in both directions – strengthening the network while helping its members build stronger, more successful businesses.
Gumbley brings extensive experience of supporting businesses through growth and development. During more than 13 years with HiQ, she held roles spanning supply chain, operations, and retail business consultancy. That experience will also support a longer-term opportunity for Point S UK to engage with independent dealerships operating aftermarket service centres.
Ali Yilmaz, Managing Director of Point S UK, said: “This appointment is a clear statement of our ambition and where we want to go as a network. We have set ourselves the target of becoming the UK’s largest independent automotive service provider by 2035, and achieving that requires us to invest in the right people as well as the right strategy.
“We’re not interested in growth for growth’s sake. We want to bring the right independent businesses into the network, in the right locations, and give them the support and opportunities they need to grow. Sarah has exactly the experience, relationships, and industry knowledge we need to make that happen.”
Sarah Gumbley added: “I’ve spent much of my career working with independents, dealerships, and automotive businesses to identify opportunities and turn them into successful operations, and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to Point S to help deliver its ambition for 2035.
“Our ambition is clear: we want to grow, but we want to grow in the right way and with the right people. My focus is going to be on finding quality independent businesses that want to grow with us, while also supporting the businesses that are already part of the network. If our members want to grow, I want to be there to help them make that happen.”
With Gumbley at the helm of national network development, Point S UK is stepping up its efforts to bring more of the UK’s independent automotive businesses into its network and take another significant step towards its 2035 ambition.
