THE CANDIDATES: FACTOR OF THE YEAR

MOTOR FACTOR OF THE YEAR: sponsored by Motaquip

Barum Auto Parts Ltd, Barnstaple
Directors David Payne and David Knight first opened Barum’s doors for business in 1990 and have since grown the company to become one of the largest suppliers of auto parts in the West Country. The factor now occupies 5 large sites and runs 44 delivery vehicles in the region.

Euro Car Parts
Established as a small parts and accessories shop in 1978, ECP has enjoyed impressive growth. Today the group offers almost national coverage from more than 65 branches operating a fleet of 450 vans. It has invested heavily in infrastructure this year, in May completing a £2.5m computer system upgrade.

GMF Motor Factors Ltd, Swansea
With more than 20 years in the aftermarket, this family-owned business now boasts a HQ, 10 large distribution centres and more than 150 employees. It distributes to 300-plus accounts using a fleet of 80 vehicles on the road five and a half days a week. GMF’s mantra is “deliver the right part, first time, on time”.

Highland Motor Parts, Inverness
Highland Motor Parts is a home-grown company established in 2001. It was founded by a group of local people with experience in the motor trade and stocks a wide range of items, including brakes, exhausts, batteries and filters. It strives for excellence, delivering throughout the Highlands of Scotland.

Motor Serv Limited, Milton Keynes
Established in 1989, Motor Serv is one of the UK’s largest single-site factors. It serves trade and retail and has recently expanded into internet sales. The showroom stocks a wide range of parts and accessories, while a computerised inventory and online vehicle recognition help identify the right parts, first time.