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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation

Website generates 50 percent of all new business for North Yorkshire garage

Date: Monday 18 July 2022

An independent garage in North Yorkshire is reaping the rewards of its brave investment philosophy after spending £45k on specialist equipment, tools, training and IT.

Oak Tree Garage, a family-run business based in Northallerton, also recorded a year of solid growth, superseding the previous five years, where turnover grew by 15 percent year on year.

Owner, John Thompson, says its success has been down to his belief in reinvestment and the foresight of planning ahead, even during the busiest periods.

It’s a philosophy that the garage adopted a long time ago. Oak Tree Garage was one of the first independent garages in Yorkshire to launch a professionally built website, and quickly saw the potential in reaching its customers in a way that traditional local advertising couldn’t.

He said:

“Even all those years ago, I could see where technology was going. Not just in the equipment we were using in the workshop, but in how we interact with customers.
“I would never be without a website. Ours now generates 50 percent of all new business and, as well as all the calls that come in, we get at least one online enquiry every day. It’s working 24/7 and brings together all the other channels customers are using too, such as Facebook.
“Without the work it generates, we wouldn’t be able to invest in the way we do. To say it pays for itself multiple times over is an understatement.”

Jim Lang, managing director at Garage Services Online which created Oak Tree Garage’s website, said:

“Seeing how John capitalises on his philosophy of investment is food for thought for all businesses, especially independent garages.
“It requires a certain amount of conviction to action what you want to achieve long term and I take my hat off to him for having that vision and creating a solid family business for the next generation.
“I’m thrilled that his website is a key source for that investment strategy; a savvy investment in itself!”