With 52 years in the motor trade, Great Coates Motors has established itself as a business aligned only with the best. “If it is difficult to join a scheme and, in particular, if it requires an audit, then you have my attention” is the ethos of Managing Director Allan McCartney.
The company is now celebrating its third year as a prestigious member of the Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme, and Allan (48) who joined the family firm at the age of 16, is proud to shout about his alliance with a standard that illustrates a company at the pinnacle of success.
Trading Standards services across the whole of Lincolnshire have joined the national Buy With Confidence scheme, which shows local people that they are buying from businesses that work in a legal, honest and fair way.
Businesses who sign up to the scheme are thoroughly vetted by Trading Standards and then added to an online Buy with Confidence database. Consumers can then search that database and have the extra piece of mind that each business has been approved. To receive accreditation, businesses go through a strict procedure of researching their trading history, financial background and a criminal records check.
“Joining a scheme like this that has the backing of Trading Standards and requires an audit can only help us to continuously improve our internal processes and add to our reputation,” explained Allan.
“As members of BWC, our customers can see that we have been through a very thorough vetting process and passed every stage. We have been held to a very high standard and we are proud of that.”
After so many successful trading years, Great Coates Motors has a very established customer base. The business has grown from a small garage in the village to a large, ultra-modern facility on the South Humberside Industrial Estate in Grimsby.
Allan has continued to expand and develop the business, with five divisions covering Service, Vehicle Hire, Parts, Sales and Vehicle Preparation. The company sells used cars and vans, all of which come with a 2-year RAC warranty, a full service, a year’s MOT and an RAC inspection prior to sale. The most recent addition to the business is the contract hire and daily rental department, which supplies cars and vans for business, both locally and nationally.
When Allan joined the family business as a motor vehicle technician 32 years ago he already had a vision for the future. “I came in with my eyes open and I wanted to take over the company,” he explained. Ten years later he was Managing Director. His stepson Brandon has now joined the family firm, following in Allan’s footsteps as a Motor Vehicle Technician.
“My job now is to lead from the top,” said Allan. “Every member of staff here has been employed by me. Many of them are long standing and it is their extensive experience that allows the business to give our customers the highest levels of support, skill and knowledge, ensuring that our vehicles are always serviced or repaired to the highest of standards.
“In 2002 we were very proud to be appointed as a Bosch Car Service garage, which is an excellent accolade for any motor repair business. But on top of that we came through the Bosch audit with the highest grading ever attained in the UK.
“We only align ourselves with leading brands and we stand by our ethos to always treat others as you would like them to treat you. Of course we have made mistakes, but I see that as a chance to learn and improve, always. The warranty stops with me. We stand on our guarantee and we have the highest quality supply chain to back it up.
“Joining the Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme took us about three months. It was worth every minute because that vetting process solidified the fact that we are on the right track in all of our processes. No-one loves an audit more than me because it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Successful businesses cannot stand still. If we do something wrong then we put it right. If we were to fail on the same issue a second time that would not be acceptable to me. Having the Trading Standards logo on our website is a sign to customers of our integrity because doing it right every time is something we strive for.
“I know there are other businesses in this region who work the way we do and who would benefit from joining this scheme. If you want to add to your prestige and cement your reputation then Buy With Confidence is a really good move,” he said.
Businesses who join the scheme, can:
- Use the Buy With Confidence logo stating that you are ‘Trading Standards Approved’
- Set yourself apart from competitors
- Reassure customers you are trustworthy
- Get information about changes to the law that could affect your business
- Access to advice direct from local authority employed Trading Standards professionals
- Be showcased on the Buy With Confidence directory – a national website.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “I’m thrilled that we have local businesses who are shouting about the Buy With Confidence scheme.
“Trading Standards carries out a thorough check of each business that applies for this accreditation to make sure they are legally compliant, which means customers can be safe in the knowledge that a business can be trusted.
“As we continue to see victims of doorstep crime, it’s so important that legitimate and reputable traders can uphold their good name.”
If you are a business wishing to learn more or join the Buy With Confidence Scheme click here Buy with confidence There is currently a 50% discount on the membership fee for new members. The scheme is open to businesses operating across the majority of sectors.
You can contact Great Coates Motors on 01472 242747 or visit the website at greatcoatesmotors.com
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