Robert Cockings Motor Repairs in Somerset has reported a dramatic increase in turnover since embracing community-driven garage management software, Garage Hive.
Following the switch to Garage Hive almost three-and-a-half years ago, the family business has reinvested profit margin gains into training, tools and equipment to further improve workshop efficiency and customer experience.
“We’ve gone from a monthly £30K turnover to a regular £75K+ each month,” said Tom Cockings of Robert Cockings Motor Repairs. “It’s allowed me to invest more into the garage and we now have the budget for specialist training and tools.”
Regulars have commented on improved communications, thanks to service reminders and effortless online payment links sent via text or email. Technicians benefit from having all the information they need at their fingertips, with the Autodata integration being a firm favourite, while a bespoke pricing matrix and stock control information keeps front-of-house operations running smoothly.
“Garage Hive has made me realise how each and every cog in the business needs to be well-oiled,” said Tom. “I can see this, monitor it in real-time and adjust as needed before it’s too late. The difference it makes to my overall profits is immense.”
Tom’s father, Robert Cockings, opened the business in 1979. Having been around the workshop throughout his childhood and into his teenage years, Tom started work at the garage in 1999 after leaving sixth form – but only as a ‘stop gap until university’. Some 23 years later, Tom has overseen significant changes within the business.
“We’ve currently got eight employees, which is a big jump from a father and son operation just a few years ago,” said Tom. “We used to have a paper diary to manage the business and daily invoicing was done using garage invoicing software. It was fine but as things grew, it became more restrictive and hampered our ability to function efficiently.”
During a business course, John Batten of Auto IQ recommended Tom an all-encompassing garage management software system. Tom put’s the transformation of his business down to this Garage Hive endorsement.
Robert Cockings Motor Repairs went live with Garage Hive in December 2019, a transition made much easier thanks to the support provided.
“Things changed massively from this point,” said Tom. “Garage Hive made business expansion possible and has given me a better standard of living. It’s an accumulation of the technical support, the features, the community, and the customer experience that makes it great.”
For further information on how Garage Hive helps independent garages operate more profitably, visit www.garagehive.co.uk.