The next generation must be fully equipped’

In March's edition of Professional Motor Factor magazine Nathan Travis of Fast Parts Wales discusses Fast Parts Wales’s branch network as well as the need for education and what challenges the modern-day motor factor is facing.

Q Fast Parts Wales opened a second branch a few years ago, how did the dynamic of the business change? How did the company adapt?

Nathan Travis (NT): “Well, we’ve recently moved even further than this and gone on to open a third branch. Since we opened the second branch, we have changed remarkably. While harnessing the power of a three branch network, each branch is a stand-alone entity, which allows us to expand our reach to a larger customer base.

“As we continue to grow the business, we will have more and more presence on the ground to service garages in a more efficient manner. The team continues to pull together and with the rise of technology, we are able to communicate better and efficiently monitor each branch’s progress, as well as being aware of customer requirements.”

Q As a PMF contributor inside ‘Counter View’, you have voiced your opinion on various topics inside the automotive aftermarket, but what do you think the biggest challenge for a motor factor is at this moment in time?

NT: “Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges facing motor factors at this moment in time. Some are more localised and relate to the actual running of a business, while others appear in the form of a wider threat from vehicle manufacturers and legislation – the potential move to increase the MOT frequency being just one.

“Another issue within a motor factor’s own business is that of pricing; it doesn’t need to be a ‘race to the bottom’ and motor factors don’t need to constantly lower prices in an attempt to be the cheapest on the market.

“Other external threats come in a variety of forms, but the most topical issue is the impact of the rise of technology. Motor factors need to consider and be ready to provide parts to enable garages to service cars of the future because, as we’re constantly being warned by the media and other outlets, internal combustion engines are already becoming a thing of the past.

“It also concerns me that brandname supermarkets are able to offer the motorist items, such as engine oil. In the trade, we all accept oil is now a part number and not just an ‘off the shelf’ product. With the government forcing tighter restrictions on emissions, it surprises me issues like this at ground level are overlooked.”

Q Education in the industry is always needed – how is Fast Parts doing its bit?

NT: “We wholeheartedly agree regarding the importance of industry education, as we need to ensure the next generation are fully-equipped to step into the aftermarket, as well as keeping those currently in the sector up-to-date with the latest developments and requirements in the industry.

“At Fast Parts Wales, we have our own training centre, and we bring customers in to keep them up-to-date with the latest industry training, carried out by our suppliers (left). We want more suppliers to come to us with their training programmes, as this can only benefit the entire supply chain.

“Looking into the future, we aim to bring in more college students in order to fully utilise the training room’s capabilities and educate aftermarket personnel of the future.

“We are also looking to push our key suppliers to develop technical Apps so that we can offer an App package to our customers, aiding in diagnosis, technical advice and fitting.”