22 | Going the extra mile The Blenheim-based franchise of New Zealand’s leading locally-owned wheel and tyre retailer, also offers vehicle servicing, suspension, brakes, wheel alignment, accessories, and performance products. Marlborough Chamber - Mag & Turbo Tyre and Service Centre Blenheim T T Rosa Watson REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Visit the Mag & Turbo Tyre and Service Centre Blenheim and you’ll realise it’s more than just your average wheel and tyre shop. The Blenheim-based franchise of New Zealand’s leading locally-owned wheel and tyre retailer, also offers vehicle servicing, suspension, brakes, wheel alignment, accessories, and performance products, explains owner Darrell Bate. The team of eight are committed to delivering the best service possible and are passionate about their work, says Darrell. Despite being known for looking after young car enthusiasts with high performance vehicles, they serve a wide range of customers. “Yes, we are experts in that field, but we’re also invested in specialising in passenger cars, SUVs, utes, vans, and much more. “Our local market is dominated by utes and SUVs with such a rural aspect, so we are all over knowing these vehicles and what works best,” he says. “When people visit us for tyres, we will ask the questions that will allow us to simply offer a good, better, and best option and will explain the features and benefits of each. “Often the higher-priced, best product may not be the right fit for our customer, so it’s gathering the right information to find the ideal product.” Darrell says most customers are individual car owners, but the shop also manages several fleets of varying sizes, from two to three vehicles to over 80 vehicles. “Having fleet managers trust us and rely on the service that we provide is humbling,” Darrell says. Mag & Turbo Blenheim was started by Darrell and his wife, Tina, in 2014. “We wanted to become business owners and were looking for a business that we could bring to the province (that would) provide a level of service not often experienced in our industry. “We are glad we chose this path and enjoy representing the brand and bringing a level of quality and service to the local automotive industry that we are proud of.” Darrell says the business model relies on many relationships within its preferred supplier network. “Effectively, our key suppliers are all business partners for us. We need them and they need us.” In December 2024, on its tenth anniversary, the business doubled in size, securing an adjacent building that provided large, modern, and interactive retail space to allow a more welcoming showroom, customer lounge, and office space. They also added a hot desk area, which means customers can set themselves up with wifi and their laptop and carry on with a productive period while their vehicle is serviced. The business has been a member of the local Chamber of Commerce since its beginning, and Darrell appreciates their advocacy and work the organisation does around local and national government changes that directly affect our region. The regular Business After 5 events, and other events organised by the Chamber, provide plenty of opportunities to network amongst the local business community and showcase services, he says. “Last year, we opened our business for Chamber members in the form of a BA5 event and got nearly 60 members to attend.” The Business Excellence Awards is the “jewel in their event calendar”. Darrell says the team not only enjoy attending this event but also entering. Over the years they have won four awards, including Best Emerging Business in 2017, Best Medium Business in 2018, and Best Consumer Service Sector in 2022. This year they took out the Excellence in Retail and Professionalism award. “With each award comes new interest as business owners and the public become aware and choose to shop with us.” The business gives back to its community through supporting local charities like Hospice Marlborough and the Cancer Society through fundraiser events. They also support the Marlborough Community Vehicle Trust, Alzheimer’s Marlborough, Coastguard Marlborough, and a number of schools, charities, and not-for-profits. Darrell says the future looks bright for the business. “We can hold our head high about the level of service we provide and that we know the customers love. “We know we’re in the best situation to continue to excel and become Marlborough’s preferred wheel, tyre, and anything automotive business.” He says the last couple of years have been challenging for businesses. “But staying positive, being all over your numbers, reading the market and striving to be one step ahead of your competitors is essential.” brad@taylorcobuild.co.nz +64 27 817 8413 New Build & Renovation Specialists
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