Vehicle parts distributor delivers growth with Yorkshire Bank backing

11th June 2012

A major expansion is underway at a car and van spare parts distributor, which has boosted its service in South Yorkshire.

After gaining backing from Yorkshire Bank as part of its Investing for Growth initiative, SDL Minorfern has opened a new 12,000 sq ft depot in Barnsley, with £500,000 of new stock, which has in turn created 25 new jobs.

Clay Cross-based SDL Minorfern, which also has branches in Buxton, Ilkeston, Chesterfield, Derby and Sheffield, supplies parts for all makes of European, American, Japanese and Korean vehicles as well as supplying an extensive range of motor oils and consumables to customers: including independent garages, main agents, retail mechanics and parts shops.

SDL Minorfern managing director, Nick Holland, whose father Peter founded the business in 1978 and is now company chairman, said: “The funding from Yorkshire Bank’s South Yorkshire Financial Solutions Company is helping us extend the range of stock available to customers.

“This expansion into Barnsley is a proud moment for my father who was born and raised in the town. The investment also helps our staff as we are able to keep a huge range of stock in Barnsley and parts are available to sell right off the shelf.

“Our next move is to launch a professional diagnostics and equipment division, which will enable us to repair the latest cars, and we will also be offering training to help support local mechanics.”

The business, which has a £14m turnover, 250 staff and more than 100 vans delivering orders within an hour, plans to focus on staff training to enhance customer service, as well as investment in stock to increase availability of new parts.

Nick Holland added: “The sector in which we operate is very mature. In the current economic climate we are witnessing a shift by car owners from the main agents for repairs to independent garages which can mean a saving of up to 50% on parts and labour, and is very attractive.

“Since we were founded Yorkshire Bank has always given us a solid platform to grow, and has been very supportive in backing this latest expansion at a time when funding is hard to come by.”

Steve Wicks, business partner at Yorkshire Bank’s South Yorkshire FSC said: “SDL Minorfern is a family business, in a highly competitive market, that recognises the value of first-class customer service, and we are pleased to support this latest expansion.”

Yorkshire Bank’s Investing for Growth initiative enables businesses to take loan repayment holidays, interest-only repayments and extended loan and credit terms to help them take advantage of quality growth opportunities. Businesses taking up the package can re-invest the cash into their operation for expansion, new staff, equipment, and machinery and commercial development.