Wayne Daniel, Network Operations Manager at Point S Tyre & Autocare Network, sits down with PMM Editor Kieran Nee to discuss what the group can offer to the independent workshop.
Hi Wayne, could you tell our audience a little bit about Point S?
Point S Tyre & Autocare is an independent tyre dealer and car maintenance network. Our network of independent garages and tyre dealers offer a range of tyre services, as well as an array of servicing, repair and maintenance options for our customers.
Point S was first established in France in 1971, and the company has since expanded across the globe into 49 countries and onto five continents, with over 5,800 points of sale. Although the global business recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, our operation in the UK has been going since 2011. In the UK, our network consists of 179 members, with 280 locations in operation.
What is the group doing to increase its presence in the UK?
Our international business is a household name in many of the markets in which we operate. In France, for example, Point S is the country’s leading multi-brand automotive services and tyre sales franchise. A key goal of our operation here in the UK is to replicate this success.
We have seen a steady but strong growth in our network of independent repair centres, and garage owners across the country are becoming increasingly familiar with the Point S brand. To further boost our presence in the UK, we have been taking strategic steps, both in our own internal recruitment and when taking on new members within our network. For example, we have decided to add a further two Business Development Managers to our current roster of four to not only take greater care of our current members, but to seek out new businesses to join the network. When we evaluate whether a business is the right fit for us, we do so in a strategic way, taking everything into account, from location to capacity. We feel that in following this model, our network will go from strength to strength.
How can UK tyre fitters benefit from Point S membership?
There is so much to gain by being a member of the Point S network. Members become part of a set-up that enables their business to become more profitable in the face of a rapidly evolving automotive market.
A central aspect of our network is giving our members the tools and the knowledge to stay competitive and futureproof themselves. This stems from the increased buying power and brand recognition that goes hand-in-hand with the Point S brand, as well as our comprehensive support package that includes marketing, training and business support.
Our members benefit from better up-front pricing on parts and tyres and we also have a rebate scheme that puts money in their pocket at the end of each year. One of the key aims of the network is to level the playing field, enabling independents to compete with the big nationals and take their business up a notch.
Part of Point S’s stated mission is to “defend independents” – how does membership in an international organisation achieve this?
We can assure the businesses that join our network that they are guaranteed to retain their independence. This is a fundamental and uncompromising aspect of our strategy. It is our mission to preserve the independence of our network and ensure the profitability of our members. We have no desire to take on the decision-making processes of any of our members; we are purely here to support them on their journey to greater profitability.
As an international organisation, we have developed strong relationships with an array of tyre and parts manufacturers. As mentioned above, we are able to leverage these relationships to the benefit of our members, giving them increased buying. This in turn enables Point S centres to become more profitable, ensuring that they can continue to operate in their local market under their own name, with their independence intact.
How wide is the range of tyres Point S has to offer customers?
Our centres offer customers a wide range of tyres, from budget to premium products. As an international organisation, the longstanding relationships that. we have with tyre manufacturers all over the world enables our members to access these products at competitive prices.
The tyre market is an excellent opportunity for independent auto repair centres to gain the upper hand in their local market. Not only is it a profitable revenue stream, but it differentiates a business’ offering and keeps customers content that their local workshop is doing everything they can to ensure that their vehicles get back on the road safely.
We have had many workshops that have joined us without ever being tyre dealers. By joining the Point S network and subsequently gaining access to our wide range of tyres, these businesses have seen a marked increase in their profitability.
Does Point S offer an exclusive, own brand range?
We do. We offer our members exclusive access to the Point S range of tyres and batteries. The Point S tyre, in particular, has been the flagship of our offering to our members for quite some time now. The product is designed in Germany and made in Europe to ensure the best quality and safety on the road, at an affordable price. Of course, for our members, this means that they can exclusively sell the Point S tyre to their customers, boosting their own product offering and their profitability.
We also exclusively offer Point S batteries, and are in the process of introducing Point S wiper blades and bulbs to our product offering.
