As UK motorists invest even more time looking for the best deals, tyre retailer (http://www.blackcircles.com) Blackcircles.com is to help local independent garages create even better deals and promotions after appointing Unipart Automotive as its preferred parts supplier.
In just six years Blackcircles.com has developed the largest network of tyre fitting (http://www.blackcircles.com/about/fitting)
outlets in the UK and as part of the new partnership it will promote the Unipart brand and product range to its network enabling the garages to tap into better pricing on parts which can
be passed on to customers.
Under the new deal, Unipart will conduct a ten-point quality check, on behalf of Blackcircles.com for all garages within the network, which will provide a mark of excellence designed to
create a new consumer confidence and encourage greater use of independent garages.
As the credit crunch bites ever harder, the deal will be welcome news for local garages which have struggled in an increasingly competitive environment. It comes as Halfords revealed that
more people were opting to have their vehicles repaired rather than buy new ones.
Unipart Automotive provides Original Equipment 'smatching quality's parts, which meet Block Exemption regulations, enabling the garages to carry out servicing and maintenance on a car
without invalidating the vehicle manufacturer'ss warranty, provided the garage follows the vehicle assembler'ss schedules.
With over 1000 local garages within its UK network, coupled with its ability to deliver tyres (http://www.blackcircles.com/about/faq)
up to 40% cheaper than the high street, Blackcircles.com is proving attractive to price conscious consumers with revenue up 40% this year while visitors to its website have increased by
55%.
Mike Welch, Managing Director of Blackcircles.com said: In Unipart we are partnering with a proven and trusted name that will enable us to support our garage relationships across the UK
at a crucial time for the industry. Block Exemption creates an excellent opportunity that will ultimately benefit consumers.
We are confident that this new deal will increase consumer confidence and highlight the many benefits of using local independent garages to the general public whilst educating people
about Block Exemption.
Unipart Automotive Marketing Director, Wendy Williamson, commented: Blackcircles.com has developed the largest network of fitting outlets in the UK in just six years. By sourcing our
service products, the garages can be more confident about the quality they are offering their customers. This will increase customer satisfaction, generating higher sales for the garages
involved.
Blackcircles.com is currently recruiting garages to join its UK network.
Notes to editors
Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 as a revolutionary new way of buying tyres (http://www.blackcircles.com/ordersource=prweb131108). Through either the company website or call centre service, customers can
choose the type of tyres (http://www.blackcircles.com/tyres) they want and have them fitted at their local independent garage at a time
which is convenient to them.
The group now offers extensive mobile tyre fitting services making the process even more convenient for the customer.
Blackcircles.com is a nationwide tyre retailer that can save customers an average of 40% on their normal purchase of tyres.
Managing Director Mike Welch left school aged 16 to become a tyre fitter in Liverpool. He went on to launch his first tyre business while still in his teens before being head hunted by
Kwik-Fit as New Business and e-Commerce Development Manager. He left Kwik-Fit in 2001 to launch Blackcircles.com.
The Chairman of Blackcircles.com is Graeme Bissett, former Group Finance Director of Kwik-Fit.