AI Magazine Issue 1 2017

Acquisition International - January 2017 33 Cleaning Up Autoclenz is the UK market leader in supplying vehicle preparation and dealership support services. Following the firm’s win of 2016 Business of Distinction - Derbyshire, UK, Grahame Rummery talks us through the firm and the range of services it offers to its nationwide clientele. ounded in 1969, Autoclenz has grown into the leading vehicle preparation company in the UK, and the firm now offers a wide range of services to retailers of new and used vehicles and to the daily rental and vehicle remarketing industries. The firm now counts six of the top 10 UK automotive dealer groups and the UK’s largest auction company as clients, providing a range of services including vehicle valeting, cosmetic smart repairs, imaging, vehicle delivery and collection as well as premises cleaning. “Autoclenz is focussed on delivering the highest levels of customer service in a highly competitive marketplace”, Grahame proudly states. “This is achieved by our national network of Divisional and Regional Managers supporting the Client Account Managers.” “What sets us apart from our competitors is the fact that our standards of vehicle valeting are better than our competitors because of the level of detail we go to. Our quality auditing and reporting are also second to none. We understand that the better a vehicle is presented, the easier it will be to sell and the more value it will achieve for our customer. “In addition, we have a unique reporting system which allows dealer groups to monitor our performance across multiple sites enabling cross comparison for continuous improvement.” Operating in such a highly competitive market with many local independent operators, firms such as Autoclenz have to work hard to remain at the forefront of the market, as Grahame explains. “Here at Autoclenz, we have a very successful track record delivering year on year company growth. Our constant challenge is to maintain adequate availability of labour to deliver on the promises to our clients. It is not always easy to find vehicle valeters. It is a tough job but, for the right people, it can be very rewarding in terms of job satisfaction and financial returns.” Strong competition and the safety issues surrounding cars mean that the market has a number of regulations which the firm has to comply with, but Grahame’s positive attitude makes these an opportunity rather than a challenge. “Regulations and legislation actually create an opportunity for us to differentiate ourselves. An example would be in the field of Corporate and Social Responsibility. We work for many plcs who are very proud of their brand reputation and need to mitigate any risks that may threaten the company. Because we carry out immigration checks on all the operators, we can assure our clients that the valeters on their premises are legal workers. Because they are being paid at least the minimum wage - or more - our clients need have no worries about the Modern Slavery Act as they know we are in complete compliance. These are very real worries for modern businesses and the reassurance we can give provides our clients with great peace of mind.” Moving forward, Grahame is confident that the firm will continue to build upon its current success as it seeks to provide its award winning services to an even wider client base. “Looking to the future we are keen to continue our sustainable, organic growth and achieve our ambition of working with all the top 10 automotive companies in the UK.” Company: Autoclenz Name: Mr Grahame Rummery Email: grahame.rummery@ autoclenz.co.uk Web: www.autoclenz.co.uk Address: Stanhope Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9BE Phone: 01283 550033 Cleaning Up F 1701AI94