Partner Article

Harratts Motor Group shows strong sales

Harratts, the family-owned and run motor group, is pleased to announce increased sales of both new and used cars comparable to last year, leading to investment and growth of the Yorkshire business.

The Wakefield-based company, which has 13 dealerships and employs 300 people across Yorkshire, has seen new car sales increased 30 per cent in 2013, compared to 2012* and used cars sales up by 100 cars over the same period. The positive sales news compliments a range of new investments in staff and infrastructure.

The motor group has spearheaded a major initiative with Learning Skills Partnership (LSP) to create dozens of new roles within the business.

Initially taking on 26 apprenticeships, all local 16 to 18-year-olds, the new ‘Product Geniuses’ have been employed by Harratts to gain practical work experience and receive sales and product training along with qualifications to set them on their chosen path within the group. With two new employees based at each dealership, the new apprenticeships highlight Harratts commitment to local job creation during difficult economic conditions.

In August, Harratts invested in its digital infrastructure including a new website and an intranet software system, enabling individual dealerships access to central marketing assets.

The new user-friendly website boasts a range of upgraded features to improve customer experience. Developed by Razsor, the leading digital marketing company behind Autotrader.co.uk, the site is fully optimised for smartphones, includes live Twitter feed and social sharing buttons along with a finance calculator to provide instant quotes for consumers.

Shaun Harratt, Managing Director, Harratts, said: “Having looked at our sales figures for the year so far, we’re really pleased to see the business outperforming 2012 across both new and used car sales. By incorporating improvements as part of a long-term strategy to move Harratts towards a more structured, process driven group, we are now seeing the benefits of those changes.

“With investment in both infrastructure and our new apprenticeship scheme, these new initiatives will help Harratts maintain our already recognised five star customer service and continue to improve sales year-on-year.”

For more information please visit www.harratts.co.uk

*Year to date figures: Jan – Sept 2013, compared to Jan – Sept 2012

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harratts .