Pro Fit network move fits the bill

AN independent Oldham garage has gone digital in an ambitious bid to compete with the major high street retailers.

Pro Fit NW Ltd has joined Blackcircles.com —the country’s largest online tyre and servicing retailer with a national network of 1,200 independent garages and more than 300,000 customers.

Motorists will be able to pay by telephone or online at Black circles.com and have the work carried out at Pro Fit NW Ltd at a convenient time.

The deal will see the Bower Street outlet benefit from new revenue streams, increased customer footfall and national marketing support, as well as access to partner businesses including the RAC and Unipart.

Craig Armstrong, from Pro Fit NW, said: “Becoming part of the Blackcircles.com network is part of our plans for growth in 2010.

“The deal will help us increase revenue through fitting fees and the repeat business that will come from being introduced to a larger customer base.

Alan Littlewood, head of network and supply at Blackcircles.com, said: “Pro Fit NW Ltd is yet another respected, quality garage to join our network, enhancing our presence in Oldham.

“Our garage network is the largest of any tyre retailer in the UK and by joining up with Blackcircles.com, Pro Fit will have a chance to claw back market share from major high street chains.”

Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 by former Kwik-Fit e-commerce director Michael Welch offering motorists savings of up to 40 per cent and has grown to a turnover of £15 million and 300,000 customers per year.