Net gains in the north west

Fix Auto UK has announced that Greater Manchester-based Barlow Street Motors will join the network and operate as Fix Auto Worsley.

Fix Auto Worsley is family-run and headed by managing director Feroz Bhaloda and his operations director brother Idrish. Formed in 2004, the repair centre covers 8,000 sqft spanning two adjoining buildings. One used primarily for all panel work while the other for MET and all paint work.

Recruiting the new franchise partner has also marked another first for the network, with all negotiations and all auditing concluded online.

Mark Hutchins, head of commercial for Fix Auto UK, said: “Due to all the restrictions placed on all of us at this time, visiting Worsley wasn’t an option and yet, Feroz was passionate about joining and becoming part of the network. We had no other choice but to go virtual which, although it goes against our usual personal services, worked out really well. My first site visit was to complete the contract signing process and we followed government guidelines to ensure complete safety for all.

“Feroz and Idrish run an extremely tight ship. The business has long been BSI approved – which is one of the perquisites when joining. The bodyshop is immaculate and really well managed. In truth, our audit process has been a formality.”

Feroz Bhaloda said: “Covid-19 brought home to us that you need to be part of a support system. We read how Fix Auto UK helped and supported the industry during the summer, from that moment we knew we needed to join and be part of it.”