UK’s first independent garage franchise opens in Solihull

SOLIHULL, U.K. - Jan. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Billed as the professional main dealer alternative for the service and repair of German manufactured cars, iAutoUK’s state-of-the-art Solihull service centre is located at Monkspath Business Park. The launch has created five new jobs with ten more expected, as the spacious workshop has the potential to accommodate up to 40 cars per day.

Established in Coventry in 2009, iAutoUK was voted ‘Midlands Garage of the Year’ by motorists for the past two years. Its commercial success, from growing a customer base of over 7,000 from scratch in just three years, prompted the company’s founder, former financial recruitment consultant, Andy Fox, to develop a franchise model with help from the British Franchise Association.

Explaining the reasons for launching in Solihull, Mr Fox, who is originally from Coventry, commented:

“The rapid growth of our Coventry garage demonstrated that customers wanted a cheaper but highly professional alternative to main dealers for car servicing. We felt that our first franchise should be located in the Midlands, so the new Solihull site fitted our aspirations perfectly, as did our launch partner, Kam Saleem, who is already a successful businessman in his own right. The response from potential investors has been nothing short of phenomenal. In addition to supporting Kam and his team over the coming months, we plan to open 14 more iAutoUK franchises this year.”

Mr Saleem, aged 32, from Solihull, who is also a director of a Birmingham-based accountancy and asset finance business, was one of the first investors to spot the franchise opportunity in his region. He said:

“When I attended one of iAutoUK’s first franchise ‘discovery days’ I knew then that I wanted to be part of this exciting new brand, which is supported by some of the world’s most respected automotive suppliers. Getting to this stage of opening my own garage has been an amazing journey and I’m looking forward to the challenge of growing the business in a highly competitive market. With Andy and his group of industry experts on hand, I have absolute confidence that our focus on professionalism and value for money will be well received by local consumers. In time, it could pave the way for further investment in other sites.”

The opening of iAutoUK’s first franchise in Solihull has drawn support from the town’s Member of Parliament. Speaking at the launch, the Right Honourable Lorely Burt MP, said:

“I am delighted that Solihull has been selected as the first location for this exciting new franchise business and welcome the entrepreneurial investment to the area. It’s vital for the benefit of motorists that we retain a vibrant and competitive automotive sector, so I wish the team at iAutoUK every success.”

A recent survey by Motoring.co.uk found that confidence is rising amongst UK car buyers. In an online poll of 2,300 drivers, there was an 8 per cent increase in the average price people were expecting to pay for a new car during 2014 with premium marques Audi, BMW and Mercedes featuring in the top five of desirable brands.

http://www.iautouk.com

For more details about the iAutoUK franchise - http://www.garageboss.co.uk