Fine Cars Case Study
Providing a bespoke service to our clients
Overview
Fine Cars are a family owned and operated franchised dealer, established in 1982 and based in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire. The company previously traded for 17 years representing the Hyundai automotive brand and became a top 5 ranked dealer in the UK thanks to their reputation for providing a first class customer service.
In 2003 Fine Cars began their partnership with Kia and have seen a continued growing success with their sales record. The south-coast dealership ranks highly overall with an impressive annual sales performance of well over 1,000 retail units and were the UK’s best performing network dealer for used car sales in 2016 – achieving status as the top-selling Approved Used Kia Dealer of all time. In 2017, Fine Cars were shortlisted in the AM Awards for Best Used Car Performance.
Brett Duke, Director of Fine Cars, became General Manager in 2013 after gaining valuable experience as a Sales Executive and Sales Manager. During 2013 Brett orchestrated a 2 year project to redevelop and expand the entire premises. Brett has since focused his efforts on fine-tuning the sales department investing significantly in their online presence. Thanks to Brett’s forward-thinking approach and the company’s exceptionally low levels of staff turnover, the business hosts a very loyal customer base who in-turn benefit from strong and consistent relationships with the same sales and service advisors each and every time they visit. Brett has continued the company’s honourable ethics which were established by his father who originally founded the business.
Specialist advisers
Brett approached Carpenter Box in 2015 after searching for accountants who specialise in the motor sector. The sales and office staff had relocated back into the new showroom and this coincided with an upturn in business and associated pressures. After initially providing a consultancy service to help resolve a resourcing issue in the finance department, Carpenter Box quickly got to know the business, allowing them to provide a more tailored service catering to their client’s specific needs.
The Carpenter Box team have worked hard to bring the dealership’s monthly management accounts and composite reporting up to speed and also provide consultancy advice on internal controls and full use of the dealer management system. One important factor for Fine Cars is ensuring that they are running their business tax efficiently; and in particular, Carpenter Box have helped to achieve significant tax savings through identifying capital allowances available on property renovations.
Brett Duke, Director of Fine Cars comments:
“With Carpenter Box we have seen a dramatic improvement in the way in which we produce our monthly reporting which has really allowed us to be more transparent and efficient when planning ahead. Chris has been fantastic in advising on a wide range of accounting and tax issues in the motor industry and I really value his sector insight and enthusiasm.
The team at Carpenter Box are incredibly helpful and always on hand when I’ve had any pressing issues or queries. Chris and his team have been a real asset to our business which reassured me in my decision to switch services from our previous firm of accountants. The support that Carpenter Box provides to our business has helped me to continue our growth path with confidence.”
Chris Reeves of Carpenter Box comments:
“It has been a pleasure working with Brett and the team at Fine Cars over the last few years. We have seen their franchise grow from strength to strength and it has been exciting to be with them on this journey. I meet with Brett on a regular basis and look forward to continuing this close relationship as they seek to maintain and build on the excellent reputation they’ve established.”