Let’s pick up where we left off in the February edition! At the end of the first part of Tom Henman’s interview with YMF Car Parts directors, James Fletcher, Matthew Pope and Tom O’Brien, James was explaining what the multi-branch organisation based in Yorkshire looks for in new recruits and what the onboarding process looks like.
We also took a trip down memory lane to when the factor’s journey began in a renovated butcher’s shop in Layerthorpe, York, in 1969. Pushing through the decades, we discussed expansion, the impact of COVID-19 and the current economic situation, serving the public and, of course, the ‘YMF way’ of doing things.
It was time to move on, though, starting with part availability, which has been an industry-recognised issue over the last couple of years.
As I mentioned in the previous instalment, YMF Commercial and Joint Managing Director, Lee Jones, couldn’t attend the interview in-person but was kind enough to send several statements to help contribute.
On the very subject of part availability, Lee said: “Stock availability has definitely been problematic, but we are lucky to be part of the IFA (IMTFA).
“IFA membership gives us access to some of the biggest and the best parts suppliers in the UK and across the world. With their help, we have managed to keep stock availability very high with only a handful of part numbers that have been unavailable to us.
“That being said, keeping availability at acceptable levels has been very difficult and time consuming. We are hopeful that this improves throughout 2023.”
Tom, who read the statement on Lee’s behalf, echoed those sentiments and acknowledged he’d also spent hours on availability – becoming part of his daily routine, in fact, which had never been the case previously.
The issue actually forced YMF to adapt its own systems “to make it easier” for its customers when trying to discover stock levels. There has been discussion about adapting modules on data software programs to simplify the process further, but, as of yet, nothing has materialised.
Best quality at competitive prices
With part availability sometimes a challenge, it was sometimes tricky for YMF to offer both variants of product – OE and aftermarket specifications – but with availability, hopefully, returning to healthy levels, I wanted to ask where YMF stood on quality versus price.
Once more, I was referred to a preprepared statement from Lee: “Product quality is very important to us, and we always strive to offer the highest quality products at the most competitive prices.
“We generally have two options available to our customers for the majority of product groups: premium – which will be our main supply brand and will be a premium quality product at a competitive price with a large range available, great technical back-up, great warranty support etc – or aftermarket, which will be our secondary supply brand and will generally be a shorter range available at a lower price point.
“The aftermarket product will always comply with MVBER (block exemption) regulations but is, generally, used as a ‘budget friendly’ option where customers are looking for a cheaper repair.”
Lee is convinced that the strain of the cost of living crisis will likely see the aftermarket ranges “become more popular in 2023”.
Links with garages
“I reckon there are 20 garages within a five-minute drive from here – it’s a good spot this!” said Matthew. The York branch is just on the outskirts of the hustling city centre.
Obviously, these workshops are competing against one-another and, one would imagine, it’s easy to try undercut a rival with a quote using a budget alternative. The directors wouldn’t be drawn on whether they’d experienced that, but what James did say is that price wasn’t the overriding issue for many workshops:
“The majority of the time, when a garage rings up and orders, they want the bits now! That’s what they care about. Service has become the biggest priority. Perhaps when a garage has more time, price may enter the conversation, but, right now, they want the parts as quickly as possible so they can service or repair the vehicle and move onto the next job.”
“I love this industry!”
Matthew has been with YMF for 32 years, starting life in the business as a teenager and taking on any task asked of him. James mentioned it in the previous article, whereby if YMF employees put in the hard graft, have the right mentality and desire to progress, they’ll be offered opportunities – that’s what’s happened to Matthew and is enjoying life as a company director. The same goes for Tom and Lee, both of whom worked their way up from the bottom to the top.
YMF works closely with local colleges to hold training and recruitment events, where it hopes to discover the next motor vehicle superstars. What’s more, YMF also hopes to inspire current automotive professionals through the college pathway but through relationships with suppliers too.
The influx of EVs is unavoidable, with more and more trickling through workshop doors, and the aftermarket needs to be prepared for that, according to Lee: “Electrification is coming to the aftermarket whether we like it or not, and we need to embrace the changes that this will bring to our industry.
“With the UK set to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it is only a matter of time before EVs make up the majority of the UK car parc. Our industry should be preparing for this as we speak, so that we are ready to take on the servicing and repair work for these vehicles.
“Online training is getting more and more popular and is probably the best place to start.
“YMF has teamed up with Delphi Technologies and has launched an e-learning platform, which includes EV/hybrid training modules amongst many other subjects.”
What are you most proud of?
I wanted to sign-off the interview by asking each of the gentlemen sat in the room what their proudest YMF achievement was. All three were unanimous: “Becoming a company director!”
That said, I particularly liked how James expanded on his answer. He explained how the directors are able to get on with their day-to-day roles, without conflicting with other directors, but also unite as a unit and ensure YMF is on the right slope:
“The dynamic works well; we’ve got a tremendous structure in-place: Lee supports suppliers, Matthew is customer-driven, Tom manages our systems and I concentrate on staff.
“We’re putting things in place now, like tightening up areas and adding more structure, to make it an easier but more successful business. I’m very proud to be here and of the way the business is heading. Everyone is contributing to YMF, and I’m confident it will only get better!”
