DENYS EDWARDS, WHERE PEOPLE AND CARS MATTER
Denys Edwardes is a standout in the automotive repair industry, boasting a successful history of more than eight decades. The company’s strong commitment to professional accident repairs is clear through its competent staff of eighty-five, including thirty-five skilled technicians. These individuals are initiative-taking and uphold core values that ensure all completed work not only meets, but exceeds the industry standards, restoring vehicles to their pre accident condition.
Family owned and in operation since 1936, Denys Edwardes initially focused on local mechanical repairs and minor body shop work. The business soon transitioned to specialise in passenger and commercial vehicle collision repairs, leaving the mechanical repair business behind. Following World War II, the company experienced significant growth, moving to its current facility in Ries Street in 1972, a building that was originally a wool storage company. At that time, their monthly operating turnover averaged around £3000 Sterling per month.
By building a wealth of in-house skills, Denys Edwardes today reflects a strong determination to rank as an example in effective business leadership. The company boasts a large base of satisfied customers, which include dealerships, fleet, rental and insurance companies. Mark Lippstreu, the Managing Director, states, “We always strive to deliver both five-star service and a world-class experience, backed by our unique Multi Cover Guarantee and a wide array of motor body-approved repair programs. “
The company ethos focuses on consumer ethnocentrism, convenience, value-added service and ensuring key attributes are fulfilled. Creating a customer experience that keeps the company “Top of Mind” and secures customer retention. Features such as a drive-through quotation facility, digital assessments, and e-commerce platform for both passenger and commercial vehicles are examples of the specialized customer services offered at the collision repair centre.
“The world of repair technology is in a constant state of evolution,” says Mark, “electric and autonomous vehicles are another frontier, with green technologies and eco-friendly repair practises becoming more prevalent. “The company’s strategic foresight and substantial investment programs have fostered a “fixed right first time” philosophy. The skill set of their staff is unmatched, with long-term staff and technicians having dedicated 30 years or more to the company. This type of legacy sets Denys Edwardes apart from its competitors. They are also a registered Merseta training facility for body shop and spray-painting apprenticeships.
The core of the business revolves around measuring its two most valuable resources – people and time, resulting in an average of over six thousand sold labour hours monthly. The technicians regularly attend manufacturer model-specific training courses and paint distributors’ training academies to update their knowledge and skillset. The Company recently received training in the Standoblue waterborne repair methodologies, which are essential for lowering emissions while maintaining a high-quality standard.
Mark’s concluding thoughts on the company’s exemplary history is people matter at every level of their operation. He believes that setting goals ensures clear purpose and direction, together with commitment and consistency helps build habits and achieve incremental wins that lead to significant results over time.
Story and pics by Ian Groat
