About us
Over 45 Years in the Motor Trade, 32 of Them Online
I’ve spent more than four decades in the automotive industry, across workshop repairs, transmission systems, vehicle retail and sales. For 32 of those years I’ve worked with online automotive platforms and digital vehicle advertising.
That combination matters. I know how vehicles are bought and sold, and I know what makes an online advert perform. I understand the customer on the forecourt and the customer scrolling on their phone, and how to reach both.
The motor trade has taught me that lasting success comes from consistency, resilience and adaptability. I’ve always followed emerging and disruptive technologies closely, because in an industry that never stands still, standing still means falling behind.
A Career Built on Real Experience
1980: I began working in garages, building specialist expertise in vehicle repairs and transmission systems.
1984: I launched a mobile mechanic service that earned a reputation for reliability, honesty and technical skill. Its success led to my first garage and a move into vehicle retail.
1995: We began advertising vehicles online, years ahead of much of the industry. I’ve been developing and refining online vehicle advertising ever since, through every major shift in platforms, search and customer behaviour.
2000: After relocating to Bournemouth, we built a series of successful automotive businesses through independent ventures and strategic partnerships.
2018: A father-and-son partnership marked a new chapter and led to the opening of our high-street indoor showroom.
How I Can Help
I help motor traders get more from their online advertising, using methods proven in my own dealership, not borrowed from a textbook. Depending on your business, that can include:
* Advertising strategy: deciding where to advertise, how to split your budget across platforms, and what return to expect
* Listing and advert optimisation: better titles, descriptions, photography and pricing presentation to win more enquiries
* Platform and cost review: checking whether your current portals and spend are earning their keep
* Lead handling: turning online enquiries into viewings and sales
* Adapting to change: keeping you ahead of new platforms, tools and customer habits
Advice You Can Trust
My approach is built on integrity, transparency and a genuine passion for motor vehicles. I give straight advice based on what works, because I’ve run the same advertising, paid the same bills and faced the same competition you do. Much of our own business still comes from repeat customers and personal recommendations, and that’s the standard I bring to every client.
After more than four decades, my philosophy is simple:
Buy well. Sell honestly. Treat people properly.
That applies to how you advertise as much as how you trade. If you’d like to talk about how to get more from your online presence, get in touch.
Derek Underwood
