ANTHONY METCALF General Sales Manager, Allington's, Ashington
How is business?
It’s very positive, we’ve opened three new brands during covid, a bit challenging but it is picking up, definite turn in the signs of business recovery and hence why I got in touch with Jackie from JAM Prints & Marketing, to help us push social media a little bit more. It allows us to be recognised and be in touch with more people, to expand the reach.
If you were buying a car, why go to Allington’s?
Allington’s is still a family-owned business, it’s owned by two brothers Chris and Ray Allington, we’ve been trading since the 1940s, there’s a lot of heritage, the google reviews are good and so is the focus. It’s important people like us, it isn’t a hard sale, it’s relaxed and friendly. How much of the family are involved with the business? In the business, there are two members, it was the fathers who passed away, but the two brothers run the business as well as Ray’s daughter.
What’s your experience with car sales?
I’ve been with Chris and Ray since 1993, ever since they had the Vauxhall garage in Ashington. I’ve been with them for 30 years.
What motivates Allington’s?
We thrive on success, we like to sell lots of cars and provide fantastic customer service, we want people to come here because they like us, they like to do business with us. Customer service is close to our hearts, we want them to be more like friends. When you buy a car from us, you become part of the family, which is where our motto comes from. It’s somewhere you can come if there is a problem, we like customers to have 100% satisfaction, we’re an open door.
How has the current climate affected business?
Still a massive interest in cars, car supply is difficult in all of the franchises, used cars have never been as popular, however second hand car prices are going up, due to the higher demand.
Most popular brand?
Due to the nine year partnership, it has to be KIA, we’re known for that.
How did the business become Allington’s?
Previously we were Milburn Motor garages, it wasn’t known as Allington’s, Allington’s came about in 2013 but after the sale of the Vauxhall garage, we weren’t able to continue using that name.
Plans for growth?
We have six acres of land, we can always expand, we have four showrooms with a massive workshop that we recently just built however long term, we are set up and of course, the option is there to expand. Allington’s 01670 817 997 www.allingtons.co.uk.
