Success is shaped like a seven-foot screwdriver for a North East-based company that's turning the humble job of white goods repair into a multi-million pound business.
The giant screwdrivers adorn the eyecatching new yellow and black fleet vans of 0800 Repair, formerly JTM Contracts, a business whose growth has resulted in its workforce increasing from ten in 2006 to more than a hundred providing its services to the UK's largest Retailers, Manufacturers and Insurers of white goods.
The company, which is part of the Pacifica Group and whose head office is based in Chester-le-Street, expects to see its turnover rocket to £12 million in 2009/10, with a five-year plan to increase to £25 million by 2014 with the introduction of the 0800 Repair brand.
0800 Repair focuses on the repair of household goods including washing machines, cookers and tumble dryers, and managing director Paul Feek says the company's ethos is simple.
"We aim to become a household name offering a reliable local service at a reasonable cost," he said. "We currently take around 2,500 service requests per week and we envisage this will double in the next five years with the launch of this memorable name and telephone number.
"We make it very easy for the customer with our ‘one-stop-shop approach'. The customer simply dials 0800 Repair (or 0800 737247 on the keypad) and we take care of everything, offering a local service seven days a week and ensuring a quick turnaround for the customer.
The company runs a robust network of engineers via 400 carefully selected subcontractors across the UK and is now setting up franchises, with the first already established in Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, and in the North West at Wigan and St Helens.
"We have all the ingredients for successful growth," said Paul. "In the current economic climate, customers are keen to save money – and repairing an appliance is usually far more cost-effective than replacing it.
"It also makes environmental sense, because it reduces waste and cuts the amount of appliances that need to be scrapped.
"I think the company has been so successful because of our ability to adapt to the many different requests from customers and clients. We fit our business around the client's needs rather than saying they must do it our way – the creation of sustainable business benefit for our customers is one of our key motivators."
The company's growth in recent years – up from just £1 million in 2004 – has been achieved by a combination of acquisition and organic growth.
As well as its North East headquarters, 0800 Repair has a 25,000 sq ft distribution and repair centre in Elland, West Yorkshire, an IT centre in Surbiton, Surrey, and call centres in Chester-le-Street and Rotherham. A further repair centre is based at Spennymoor, Durham.
"As the 0800 Repair brand grows, we plan to expand into other areas," said Paul. "We constantly monitor the performance of our business, and we have identified a number of areas for the business to concentrate on so we can move it forward.
"We are currently working with Jim Zockoll – the founder of Dyno-Rod. He and his team have helped us to develop our brand and the offering to our franchise network.
"We've taken delivery of our first set of vans complete with seven-foot screwdrivers on top, in our corporate colours of vibrant yellow and black, which will certainly attract the public's attention.
"Recruiting and retaining a robust network of highly-competent and well-trained staff is a key driver for us, and our business ethic will always embrace the long-term employment and wellbeing of employees. We understand that great staff means satisfied customers.
"The rebranding as 0800 Repair means the company can build on its credentials as a trustworthy local company with a national reputation and move its customer service to a new level.
"It means we can meet the changing demands and expectations of our clients and customers," said Paul. "Through a partnership approach with franchisees, employed engineers and carefully selected sub-contractors we intend to raise the bar and provide an even higher level of customer service.
"We believe there is a growing market for our services, and we feel our franchise offer provides a superb opportunity for small businesses to prosper with the support of a well-recognised brand and a strong organisation behind them" added Paul.
0800 Repair
www.0800repair.com
