PMF sits down with Comline

Comline Group’s Nick Weir has been promoted to the role of product director. Over 20 years, he has influenced many people and departments, playing a role in propelling the business forward. Our editor, Tom Henman, finds out how.

As Nick Weir walked into the interview room – also known as Comline Group’s boardroom, which we hijacked to accommodate staff and filming equipment – I sensed he was nervous. He had asked for questions to be sent beforehand so he could digest them and prepare some answers. I reassured him that this was a “friendly interview” after being promoted to the new role of product director. I don’t think I convinced him as he wriggled and sank into a leather chair, trying to get comfortable, but as the cameras started rolling, the microphone tests had been completed, I needn’t have been worried.

“Congratulations on the promotion – how do you feel?” I asked. “It’s alright, isn’t it?” Nick responded, both of us laughing. I knew we would be fine after that icebreaker.

Back to the beginning

Nick joined Comline Group in 2005, bringing with him skills and experience in the automotive aftermarket, gained through managing a motor factor in Kent. Alongside his brother, Chris, who also works at Comline Group, he quickly made a name for himself.

Over the last 20 years, he has found himself tackling various positions, different challenges and responsibilities. This includes jobs in IT, sales and procurement, before finally switching to a product role in 2019 as a part of a company reshuffle: “I’ve done a bit of everything!” Nick said, as he reeled off his CV.

Although Nick has worked in many departments, he has found his permanent home in the product arena. In his new role, he will oversee the development and alignment of the Comline Group product portfolio across international markets. Comline Group brands – Comline, Motaquip and Allied Nippon – are present in over 50 countries.

Before diving into that new role and his impact within Comline Group, given this is Professional Motor Factor, I was curious to ask Nick about his time owning a factor.

He recounted: “I started in automotive retail in the 1980s, before making the switch from motor factoring to secondline distribution. This was a big eyeopener for me; it was a pressurised role. We ran five vans, and we were flat out – always busy.

“Parts had to be delivered quickly and, often, multiple sets were sent to garages due to variations in components and systems. We relied on paper catalogues because digital systems didn’t have reg lookup, which made part identification difficult.

“Constant phone calls, writing down orders and ensuring parts were delivered within the half hour. It was relentless but I loved it. Once we settled, Chris and I started on the second-line distribution which is when we met Divyesh Kamdar.” Divyesh is Comline Group chairman today.

How Comline Group prised Nick away

Nick continued: “We thrived for around five years; Comline ranges were being supplied regularly, and the relationship was good, business was strong – customers loved the product.

“We were impressed with what Divyesh was trying to achieve with Comline. We saw potential in the business model – Comline had just moved from Wembley to a larger facility in Luton – and, when Divyesh offered both Chris and I positions in their sales and technical support teams, we were quick to accept. We’ve not looked back.”

I asked Nick to retrace his steps, all the way back to his first week on the job. He let out a chuckle as he began to tell the story: “It was full on actually; I had meetings with everyone. Chris and I were living in a hotel, as we were searching for somewhere to live. It was a whirlwind and vastly different from the factoring world from which we had just come.”

“I hope I’ve made an impact”

Fast forward 20 years, enjoying the different positions and responsibilities within Comline Group, being immersed in the growth of a business that has transformed from humble beginnings in Wembley, then Luton, and now its new headquarters at Bedford Commercial Park, I asked Nick if he believed he had played his part.

While the conversation had been jovial, for the first time, Nick became emotional – perhaps demonstrating what Comline Group means to him and the dedication, hard work that he has put in to help propel the company to an employer of 250 people, a business that has subsidiaries in Ireland, Greece and Spain, and 35 product categories.

Nick said: “I like to think that my time here has made an impact on where we are now. Comline Group has been a huge part of my life. I believe I have put my heart and soul into the company because I treat it and the people that work here as my family. I try to make sure everyone is safe, happy and wants to succeed every day.

“Comline Group is a serious place to work, but it’s a fun place to work too. We all have the same goal.”

Vision for the future

One of the biggest milestones in Nick’s career was being part of Comline Group’s transition from Luton to its new home at Bedford Commercial Park.

He said: “I never imagined we would get to this point when I first started 20 years ago. Moving to this facility has been a major step forward. It has allowed us to streamline our operations, improve efficiency and future-proof the business.”

As Nick steps into his role as product director, he is more committed than ever in helping Comline Group thrive. He aims to do that by helping the company navigate the challenges and explore the opportunities that EVs and the changing landscape of parts pareto present.

He concluded: “It is about looking at the bigger picture, ensuring our product strategy aligns with both current and emerging trends. It’s about making sure we’re providing the right products, at the right price, and maintaining the high standards our customers expect.”

With two decades of experience at Comline Group, Nick Weir’s journey is one of commitment, adaptability and humility. As he throws himself into this new challenge, one thing is clear – he will give it his all.