Andrew Page named as Motor Factor of the Year 2015 at Motor Trader awards

Leading autoparts and workshop equipment distributor, Andrew Page has been named as Motor factor of the year at the 2015 Motor Trader awards, following a year of transformation and growth.

“It is great to be recognised by one of the most prestigious titles in the automotive aftermarket, and is testament to the hard work the entire team has put in,” said Jim Sumner, Chairman of Andrew Page. “We have been busier than ever over the last 12 to 18 months, and are seeing the rewards of the strategic investments we have made in the business.”

Facing tough competition from a shortlist including Autoparts UK, Fast Parts Wales, GSF Car Parts and Ridgeway, Andrew Page came out on top last night at the prestigious ceremony at Grosvenor House, London. Earlier this year, Andrew Page announced a record quarter, reporting that March 2015 was the company’s best ever trading month in its 98 year history.

At the start of 2015, Mark Saunders was appointed to the position of chief executive. Since then the company has seen the expansion of its Markham Vale distribution facility, increasing floor space by nearly 40% with a new mezzanine floor, as well as further investments in new vans and stock. As a result of this continuous investment, Andrew Page’s ability to deliver parts to its sites throughout the day and overnight is driving the best ever levels of availability to customers.

The company also confirmed last month that it was expanding through the introduction of a new online store, including a detailed catalogue and dedicated customer support service along with a branch click & collect option. With accurate mapping of OE parts suppliers’ data against the UK vehicle parc, customers can be confident of receiving the right parts for any job.

Mark Saunders, Andrew Page chief executive added: “The specific investment in expanding our central distribution facility was to significantly develop our B2C capability and support the roll-out of our new retail store format. Being acknowledged as the leading motor factor in the UK is fantastic for Andrew Page, and we hope to gain further industry recognition as we continue to develop the business.”

Image caption: Mark Saunders, Andrew Page chief executive (second from left) collects the Motor Factor of the Year award from Gerry O'Hara, Unipart Autoparts' managing director

ENDS

Note to Editors

About Andrew Page Limited

Having originally been founded by Andrew Page in 1917, his son James, formed Andrew Page Limited in 1946. The company is an independent distributor of quality vehicle components, workshop equipment, tools and diagnostics. From its Leeds headquarters it controls all nationwide branches and employs over 2,600 people.

The company has grown progressively and underlined its national reach. This includes purchasing the Camberley Auto Factors (CAF) branch network in the south of England, acquiring 21 Unipart Automotive sites following the collapse of the company in 2014, and the subsequent rebranding as Andrew Page, The Autoparts People.

Andrew Page supplies products from many of the world's leading automotive component makers, including Unipart, Mintex, LuK, Bosch and Mann + Hummel.

The AP-Tech division meets customer requirements for tools and workshop equipment and reaches customers across the UK through its website www.ap-tech.co.uk. Auto Education is a training programme run by Andrew Page Limited and consists of 30 courses designed to improve and advance technicians skills to recognised national standards. Further information on the training courses and how to book can be found at: www.autoeducation.co.uk.

In June 2015 Andrew Page launched its online web store aimed at retail customers, including enthusiasts and professional technicians.

For further Andrew Page press information, please contact Torque:

Matt Sanger       – 020 7952 1079 or msanger@torqueagencygroup.com
Adam Forshaw   – 020 7952 1082 or aforshaw@torqueagencygroup.com