Sportsitalia…the end

Status
Not open for further replies.
doodlebug

doodlebug

Member
Messages
917
That's really sad news for you, Ash and the others, Matt. I only found out when I spoke to you earlier to change the date that I'd previously booked to take my car in for a new heater matrix. I can't believe the landlord did this to you guys.

Bugger, I'll have to do the heater matrix myself now. Forty years ago I swore that I'd never work on another car. Looks like I'll be spending most of April getting grazed knuckles again.

I hope you find somewhere soon to get back in business Matt. It was a pleasure having you and the team work on my car for the last 4 years.
 
Y

yetis

New Member
Messages
6
I am perhaps the newest member and not in the UK. However I do recognize the need for a strong resource like yourself. What can we do, to help ? Are you looking for a new space, do you see another path. What can the community do to help? I am sure there are lots of people on these forums, with lots of resources..
 
giorgio01

giorgio01

Member
Messages
223
Sorry to hear that. I've never been there but only thing I've heard about the place was all very good and positive. All the best with finding new premises.
 
midlifecrisis

midlifecrisis

Member
Messages
16,229
Jeez, what cr4p news. I sincerely hope you make a return soon.

Look on the bright side, you gave the Maserati independents a high standard to aim for with honesty, quality and realistic pricing. Testament to this was an excellent reputation and a full waiting list for your services. Notwithstanding that, you brought an apprentice to the fore.

Since I'm moving north soon, maybe your mob could do too and find premises more central to the majority and mop up all competitors.

Let's look on this as a minor set back.
 
B

Busaidyali

New Member
Messages
2
Don’t give up Matt! we all need you and your excellent service. I’m sure there is another vacant unit around.Theres quite a few Basingstoke way. Or maybe a place around the new Forest Lymington.? Keep fuelling the Passion!
 
c4sman

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,260
What are the perceived downsides of service garages on a site? I would imagine it Is the thought of partially assembled vehicles being left outside and the general “messy” image of garages with hazardous materials and fluids floating about?

Surely most of that could be addressed in the terms of a lease but landlords may distrust the trade for sticking to clauses that keep the site looking smart perhaps. A real shame if good guys like SI get crushed because of the image of the general trade.
 
Moz1000

Moz1000

Member
Messages
821
I'm shocked to read this Matt. I hope you and Ash pick yourselves up and re-establish yourselves soon.
Onwards and upwards.
Moz
 
hashluck

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,523
c4sman said:
What are the perceived downsides of service garages on a site? I would imagine it Is the thought of partially assembled vehicles being left outside and the general “messy” image of garages with hazardous materials and fluids floating about?

Surely most of that could be addressed in the terms of a lease but landlords may distrust the trade for sticking to clauses that keep the site looking smart perhaps. A real shame if good guys like SI get crushed because of the image of the general trade.
Click to expand...
Cited in our area is the potential cost of environmental clean up should the tenants go under or terminate on their side. A deposit only goes so far. Plus of course the image, cars stored outside with possible crime attracting and generally lots more coming and going through the day. The simple fact is that in this market they have other potential tenants with none of those downsides, perceived or otherwise. The only way round it is for the motor trader to purchase the property but that needs funding, suitable premises are rarely available on the open market and even then there may be various covenants restricting the use.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,339
hashluck said:
Cited in our area is the potential cost of environmental clean up should the tenants go under or terminate on their side. A deposit only goes so far. Plus of course the image, cars stored outside with possible crime attracting and generally lots more coming and going through the day. The simple fact is that in this market they have other potential tenants with none of those downsides, perceived or otherwise. The only way round it is for the motor trader to purchase the property but that needs funding, suitable premises are rarely available on the open market and even then there may be various covenants restricting the use.
Click to expand...
Yes anywhere near here, and I’ve seen some fabulous units, generally state ‘no motor trade’. I do know of some units locally that will become available, @conaero, you’re properly darn sarf in Chichester, where does the nose bleed kick in? M4? Could you brave it up north? We’re all alright up ‘ere. New lease of life a move….
 
MarkMas

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
8,932
dickygrace said:
Yes anywhere near here, and I’ve seen some fabulous units, generally state ‘no motor trade’. I do know of some units locally that will become available, @conaero, you’re properly darn sarf in Chichester, where does the nose bleed kick in? M4? Could you brave it up north? We’re all alright up ‘ere. New lease of life a move….
Click to expand...
I don't think Matt's ever been north of 'Demitri's Authentic Turkish Kebabs' in Stevenage.
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,467
All very interesting and one of the big problems and the image that get seen by many is the Cowboy set ups as there's no proper regulations there's professional institutions but they don't really make things massively better.
In France you have to jump through hoops to set up a workshop but all for good reasons they verify your qualifications and your experience making things very safe for customers.
What you need to find is an old dealership before houses or an express supermarket get put on there as seems to be the norm these days.
You can find some good ones here but then that's a major lifestyle change but forum members can have a holiday break as well.
 
lifes2short

lifes2short

Member
Messages
5,834
I don't think SI should have any issues finding a suitable unit as clearly Matt can demonstrate that they are reputable company specialising in a a quality Marque and not some dodgy back street outfit. A reputable landlord should be pleased to have such a company on site. Just be sure to sign a long lease or at least have it drafted within "the act" as mentioned in previous post
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,866
I suspect there is a lot of 'green washing' going on in the commercial property business, and this is used as a blunt instrument to bash anything that contributes to CO2 NOx and any other item that the enviro brigade jump on next.
 
hashluck

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,523
The 'environmental" issues are not related to fixing cars that may have high emissions but the waste product. Used oil etc. Especially if it soaks into the ground. Illegal and super expensive to clean up and could ultimately fall on the landlord.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,339
hashluck said:
The 'environmental" issues are not related to fixing cars that may have high emissions but the waste product. Used oil etc. Especially if it soaks into the ground. Illegal and super expensive to clean up and could ultimately fall on the landlord.
Click to expand...
Yes aware of that, was just being facetious.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.