Gates Ford has joined the successful motor industry procurement specialist, the Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA) in order to secure the purchasing power of a large scale national operator for its six dealerships in Hertfordshire and Essex.
Gates Ford is a family owned and operated company with a rich heritage in the motor trade and a history that stretches back to 1920. Gates has locations in Stevenage, Harlow and St Albans, all of which are Ford Stores and Transit Centre Specialists, plus further Ford Main Dealerships in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and Epping.
The RAA has an eleven year track record of delivering big savings to its Shareholder Members by combining their individual purchasing requirements across a range of suppliers from oil and number plates through to finance and insurance and striking industry leading deals which deliver savings in excess of £5 million per annum to the group.
With a combined turnover of £2.9 bn, the RAA is the 5th largest automotive retailing organisation in the UK and now has 23 Motor Dealer Group Members nationwide, selling over 235,000 new and used cars annually through more than 230 sales outlets and representing 26 motor franchises.
Commenting on his decision, Heath Greenall, Gates Ford Managing Director, said;
“we are delighted to be part of the RAA and enjoy the benefits of scale that the group offers which enable us to be significantly more competitive than we would be alone.”
Asked what else drew Gates to the RAA, Heath added,
“It isn’t simply the commercial aspects of the many RAA deals that appeal to us, it is the opportunity to regularly meet with like-minded business owners in my industry and share experiences, thoughts and ideas and improve our own business as a result.”
John Matthews, the RAA’s Business Development Director, said of the move,
“The RAA is all about its Members. We are very careful about appointing those who not only contribute to the scale and quality of our venture but who fit in culturally with what we have created. Heath and the Gates Ford team are exactly the type of business we are looking for as we continue to grow the membership and they have been warmly welcomed by all.”
Gates provide a full range of Ford Main Dealer services including New & Used Vehicle Sales, Motability, Finance, Servicing & Repairs and Parts & Accessories.