Business Central July 2021

106 | BUSINESS New Plymouth Auto Electrical: TSB Taranaki Business Awards “If there is a sensor involved, a starter motor or a switch that controls parts of a vehicle we get involved....” Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? Awards success a timely lift The New Plymouth Auto Electrical team: from left, Daryll Coombs, Jonathan Thompson, and Kent Birchall. H aving survived the challenge of last year’s Covid 19 lockdown period, New Plymouth Auto Electrical entered the TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards, and was rewarded with the Trades Excellence Award. Carrie Wallis, who co-owns New Plymouth Auto Electrical with her partner Kent Birchall, says last November’s award has given hope that they were on the right path and doing the right thing. “It meant we were able to go back to our mentors, our customers and our staff and thank them for helping to make our business what it is. “We had only been in business two years before we had to go into lockdown, which had a significant impact on our business and cash flow. We are such a young business in a very competitive market and Kent and I were very concerned we might not survive the lockdown period.” Not only did the business survive, it has thrived through the support of their team and a loyal customer base. “I thought that was something that demon- strated we were doing the right thing with our management and operation of the business and that the team deserved some recognition for the work they have put into the business.” Entering the awards, Carrie and Kent responded to a diverse range of questions during an interview with three judges, and without prior knowledge about what those questions would be. “The whole way we operate our business was placed under the spotlight. “Kent felt that by putting our business un- der the spotlight we would expose ourselves to criticism. And we did — but I come from a background where if you’re not getting criti- cism you’re not getting anything to improve and build upon.” Kent had served his apprenticeship as an auto electrician in the business in the late ‘90s, T Richard Loader though had spent a number of years working in Australia’s oil and gas industry. Three years ago the couple decided they wanted to embark on business ownership and approached the owner of New Plymouth Auto Electrical with an offer to buy the business. “We knew they had some very good quali- fied staff,” says Carrie. “So we mortgaged our house and got on the train.” Being fully independent and not aligned to any vehicle dealership allows the team at New Plymouth Auto Electrical the freedom to be accessible to all customers and provide the high level of service that they have become known for. “If there is a sensor involved, a starter mo- tor or a switch that controls parts of a vehicle we get involved. “Our core customers are other automotive workshops, private motorists, some trans- portation and haulage companies, and we do some work for Taranaki dealership owners where our specialist expertise is needed.” Supported by two senior technicians with twenty years experience, and a talented ap- prentice, Carrie and Kent are the face of New Plymouth Electrical. Reflecting upon what has underpinned their success over the last three years, Carrie has no hesitation saying that it is about honesty, integrity, a skilled team and owners who are always close by to talk to the customer. Congratulations to Kent and Carrie and the team for their success at the awards! Helping you through life - from insurance to investments, we look after what you value. Since 1982, we’ve been providing tailored insurance and wealth management solutions and looking after your interests from the farm gate to your retirement. P 0 5 0 8 267 267 E en qu i r i e s@t heh t l g r oup . c o . nz W t heh t l g r oup . c o . nz Congratulations NP Auto Electrical - wired for success. www.bakertillysr.nz