BTCC

HiQ Banbury in pole position for business boom

Motorists in Banbury can look forward to a stylish, sporty new service in the town after a fast fit centre invested £60,000 in a pioneering new refurbishment programme.

HiQ, based in Gatteridge Street, has become the first of the franchise network's 150 stores to boast British Touring Car Championship branding, to coincide with the company's official sponsorship of Britain's premier motor racing series.

HiQ is the official sponsor of the British Touring Car Championship and the Banbury centre will aim to bring the excitement and passion of the motor racing series onto its forecourt.

The new Banbury concept has been developed on the back of an eighteen month study looking at consumer attitudes to fast fit services.

Centre owner Phil Godfrey said: "Our research highlighted what the industry has suspected for a long time. On the whole customers find visiting a fast fit outlet to be a negative experience for several reasons: centres are seen as dirty, unwelcoming and confusing; staff are either unhelpful or speak in technical jargon; prices are unclear with quotes invariably increasing once a job has been carried out and customers feel they have no control over appointment times, waiting times or choice of product.

"Overall the research told us that visiting a fast fit was unlike any other retail experience customers engage in on a daily basis."

The centre is designed to place the customer at the heart of the experience utilizing the following features:

  • Clearly signed forecourt and parking area
  • A modern, clean, welcoming reception area
  • Menu boards with all pricing clearly identified
  • Tea and coffee making facilities to all customers
  • Plasma screen TVs and up to date reading materials
  • Information clearly displayed and written in non-confusing jargon free language

And Mr Godfrey said that despite the economic downturn, business continued to be brisk, as less people opt to buy new cars and maintain the ones they have.

He added: "Even though we are in the midst of a credit crunch, people are not buying new cars like they used to, and are instead turning to reputable centres like ourselves."

"We have redeveloped our Banbury centre to bring it in line with customer expectations. Our open and honest pricing based on the principle 'fast fit you can be sure of' is also key to retaining the customers we have.

"And our on-line service also allows customers to purchase their tyres on line and choose when they have them fitted, which keeps the customer firmly in control."

For more information about HiQ Banbury and its range of motoring services contact 01295 263149.

© HiQ 2010