The Parts Alliance unveils blueprint for the future but Andrew Page opts out

THE Parts Alliance, the Solihull-based automotive buying and distribution group backed by HgCapital, has unveiled its plans for 2015 and beyond.

The plans were announced at the same time as Birmingham car part firm Andrew Page revealed it is leaving the alliance.

The Part Alliance’s blueprint includes creating a factors programme, a franchise opportunity for independents to distribute autoparts in new areas of the UK for the firm.

It is also launching AlliCat X, a new version of its electronic cataloguing and ordering system that will enable customer orders to be processed 25% faster and which will be in place across the network by the end of 2014.

And it is to strengthen its Servicesure Autocentres offering with new benefits and concepts.

Chief executive Peter Sephton said:  “Our promise is ‘national coverage, local strength’ and the creation of our Parts Alliance Factors programme is a prime example of how we will be working with independent factors to guarantee complete coverage of the UK with effective local delivery on the ground.

“It is a great opportunity for independent factors to build their business by being part of the UK and Ireland’s leading automotive distribution network, supported by The Parts Alliance’s buying power, class leading systems and national accounts experience.

“The launch of AlliCat X is a technological advance on a system that is already recognised as the class leading catalogue system in Europe and it also provides the platform for a series of innovations planned through 2015.

“Our Servicesure Autocentres network has made huge strides and we will be announcing radical initiatives in January.

“One highlight will be our industry-leading National Advisory Panels headed by garage owners themselves. For the first time, they will have direct input and influence on the programme ensuring independent garages benefit from exactly what they need to run a successful workshop.”

The blueprint was revealed as Andrew Page announced it has decided not to continue as an associate member of the alliance.

Sephton said: “We originally came back together in good faith to benefit from the synergy of our wo businesses. But in a rapidly evolving market, we now believe the most beneficial way forward for long-term growth is for us to act as separate entities.

“We will continue to work with Andrew Page as our partner on selected national account contracts that The Parts Alliance holds.”

Since HgC invested in The Parts Alliance in April it has acquired and integrated former associate member Car Parts & Accessories (CPA) and added more than 100 new garages to the Servicesure Autocentres network.

And trading is said to be “well above expectations” in the 15 branches bought from Unipart Automotive.