Two brothers with a shared ambition

Tom and Ben Clarke are brothers. They both manage a motor factor. They have different approaches. But they both have the same ambition: Carve out their own legacy. 

PMF visited David Clarke back in March 2025. At the time, there was no hint of any potential sale of Autosupplies Chesterfield, but only a few months later, the announcement was made that he had sold up.

While David spends more time by the lake fishing than he used to, he continues to keep his eye in – after all, he still owns both businesses – by supporting sons Tom and Ben in managing their respective branches. PMF’s visit to Leisureways of Rotherham and Butlers Automotive in Barnsley, however, was a chance to see how the next generation of the family business is honouring their dad’s legacy while carving out a future of their own.

Learning the ropes

Immediately stepping into Leisureways, it appeared little had changed from the last visit – except for the significant stock expansion downstairs and David’s fishing trophies and industry awards crammed into the boardroom – but Tom admitted that was intentional. Well aware of his father’s shadow, there was “no need to make drastic changes” and “the foundations were already in place”.

Tom continued: “The most important thing was getting the basics right – I didn’t want to change much straight away. Once you lose a customer, it’s hard to get them back.”

Tom’s branch serves 120+ garages daily and is on course to see a 40% increase on year-on-year sales.

Stepping into Butlers Automotive – not on the PMF road tour last time – obviously it was impossible to make a comparison, but Ben did concede that he has introduced his own measures, tightened processes, and added a dedicated sales rep on the road. His branch now serves around 70 garages daily and has seen sales rise 40% year-on-year.

Ben said: “If service improves, it is likely to improve outside. Customers get their parts quicker. That’s what matters most.”

Both brothers credit their dad for teaching them the value of hard work and letting them make their own mistakes. His advice was simple: learn by doing, and lead by example.

Building branches for today’s market

Tom, having managed Butlers Automotive before moving to his current site in Rotherham, quickly realised that local markets can be surprisingly different – despite there only being 14 miles between the two.

He said: “In Rotherham, the priority is availability and price competitiveness; whereas, in Barnsley, quality is top of their list.”

Tom’s response was to double down on stock and efficiency, reorganising the warehouse to ensure that when a garage calls for parts, it’s ready to go. Ninety-five percent of deliveries are delivered within the hour of order. Today, Leisureways holds around £1.7 million worth of stock, while Butlers has around £1.1 million, with both businesses continuing to increase their stockholding to meet customer requirements.

At Leisureways, plans are also being drawn up to extend the building. The branch operates from a five-acre site, providing scope to expand the business and future-proof its operations as the stockholding continues to grow.

Recruiting and retaining talent

It is no secret that finding and securing talent is hard; PMF has spoken to and heard from representatives from recruitment specialists, garages, and colleges – all echoing the same message – and that is the same story for Leisureways and Butlers: “It’s the biggest challenge of all,” said Ben.

That said, PMF was told during several conversations with members of Leisureways staff that they were happy and enjoyed their role, relationships with colleagues, and management of Tom: “Best job I’ve ever had,” one customer service agent said!

That enthusiasm was matched in the warehouse too; speaking to staff that have racked up years of service, they praised Tom’s leadership style.

When asked what he looks for in a new member of staff, Tom replied: “As long as they’re willing to learn and are a good person, we can teach them. Whatever a candidate’s age, they come with their own unique and positive attributes. Most importantly, we want a good attitude and someone that will fit into our culture.”

Ben echoed that philosophy, accepting PMF’s suggestion of forging relationships with local colleges and schools to unearth raw talent and potential.

He added: “Building a workplace that feels like a family is key to retention. Open communication, quality-of-life improvements, and clear standards create the right environment for everyone.”

Staying ahead of the competition

Competition is rife; there is no shortage of rivals in their respective areas, but both Tom and Ben – absorbing the mantra that David always followed – are only focusing on themselves: “What else can we do?” asked Tom rhetorically.

“Thankfully, we have loyal customers, but we have to ensure we deliver a consistent, all-round quality service to maintain that trust.”

By doing that, the result will be sustainable growth – even in a highly competitive environment. Both branches are aiming to double their turnover in the coming years. With Leisureways expected to reach around £2 million in stock by the end of the year and Butlers around £1.3 million. While that may be ambitious, the brothers’ belief stems from the solid foundations of the past, the steps taken so far in stamping their authority on their respective branches but also plans for the future.

While neither would give too much away, Tom summed up the vision: “One day, I want my branch to be as big as Dad’s – maybe even a bit bigger! We’ve got the space, the team, and the drive to do it.”

From long hours and lessons learned to thriving branches and ambitious growth plans, Tom and Ben Clarke are mastering the ropes – in their own way. While their dad, David, continues to offer guidance when it’s needed, it is very much of a case of go for it!