TGt Meets... Dom Threlfall

As part of our Entrepreneur Week Specials, we've been speaking to Dom Threlfall from Pebley Beach.

Tell us a little bit more about your business?

We are the main franchise car dealer for Hyundai and Suzuki in Swindon, and in Cirencester we represent Suzuki.  However our workshops are not limited to these brands, we have over 10,000 visits per annum from all makes of cars, covering simple items like lightbulb changes or tyre replacements - to MOT, Servicing and full engine rebuilds.

What inspired you to set up your business?

It was a family business mainly in the Petrol industry from the 1980- late 90’s, I joined in 1991 to run 1 forecourt.  In the early days it was great fun with suitable reward for effort.  Specifically, I found the “problem solving” and setting up process controls the most enjoyable.  Latterly we are now focus on cars sales and repairs and the same still applies, the solving of issues and simplifying complicated processes is what inspires me and keeps my interest.

What do you think attracts people to starting their own business?

It’s different for different people, for some it’s like owning your own house, “You see that over there, that’s mine” – it’s a great feeling.  Others it’s the ability to directly influence changes at your own pace.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

Recession like most capital hungry companies was… um … challenging.  But you come out of it learning loads and certainly wiser.

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

Internally we have lots, but my 2 most used (possibly not motivational!)

2nd is for losers

Where there is a problem there is a solution

What advice would you give someone looking to take the plunge and start a business?

Without passion, you will not make it.  You have to live and breathe it every day.

What’s the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?

For our industry it is the route to market, years ago you put an advert in the paper, and you sold cars.  Now you have multi-media campaigns that have to be co-ordinated and managed, which customers interact with and expect an instant communication regardless of the day or night.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

The foundation for me 43% of staff starting as “Young learners” this has enabled us to be nominated and then on to win various massive regional, Nationals and international accolades.

Wiltshire Business of the Year last year (& Wiltshire’s apprentice employers of the Year)

Motorcodes Garage of the Year 2014

Automotive Management & Motor Traders “Aftersales Dealer of the Year 2015”

The first “Foxy Approved” (female friendly) car dealership in Swindon

We have represented Hyundai UK & Suzuki GB in world skills Olympics and have been awarded, Brilliant Champion (Sales) in 2013 and Oct 2015, one of our technicians was crowned top 20 technicians in the World.

When you’re not busy running your business, how do you like to spend your down time?

It’s a standing joke with friends that when not at work my wife and I almost refuse to leave Cricklade, with a good pub, curry house and Thai, we don’t need to venture far, except for traipsing around the country watching our two teenage boys play sport.