Supplier / factor relationship one of the “key, defining features of success”

David Clarke, managing director of progressive UAN motor factor Autosupplies (Chesterfield) has hailed the long term relationship held with auto electrical supplier WAIglobal UK, calling such partnerships one of the “key, defining features of its success”, as it celebrates 25 years in business.

Autosupplies started trading in 1990 as a paint factor. After 10 years of solid growth, the business moved into full line car parts supply. It was at this time in 2000, the motor factor met with WAIglobal UK (trading then as Sovereign Ltd).

Clarke said: “WAIglobal UK really helped us in our early years and understood our ambitions to grow the business from one site. I’m pleased to say this help and support has remained constant and the service has always been excellent. I’ve always said that we’re in a really competitive area in Chesterfield, so to have the product quality so widely endorsed by garages is a major achievement.”

Just as Autosupplies has grown considerably, so too has WAIglobal UK with the introduction of new products and services such as window regulators and wiper motors, in addition to expanding its ranges of starters and alternators.

Clarke said: “These days, many companies break from the norm and add totally unrelated products to their portfolio. But, with WAIglobal UK, they’ve kept true to their auto electrical roots and excel in this specialism.”

Kevin Sharp, sales and marketing director – WAIglobal UK, added: “The independent aftermarket remains a challenging environment. Too often supplier / factor relationships are strained, often severed, over issues such as price. It’s no co-incidence then that the most successful motor factors today maintain healthy, long-term relationships with their suppliers.”


Autosupplies Dave Clarke with WAIglobal UK product