Springbok Garage Ltd

We've been speaking to Tooting businesses about how the lockdowns have affected them. Sharon Williams, co-owner of Springbok Garage Ltd, gives us an insight into her family-run business of 58 years and how it has fared now restrictions are lifted.

Sharon tells us, "Springbok Garage is owned and managed by my brother Dezi and I, who have carried on a long family tradition of mechanical engineering dating back as far as the Industrial Revolution.

The business was started by our great-grandfather, Arthur Williams. Arthur was born in London in 1874; he joined the army and was posted by the Royal Engineers to a remote island off the coast of South Africa. He married and moved to Cape Town, where he opened a motor garage. Arthur's youngest son Bill (our grandfather) joined the family business and, in 1955, decided to move back to the UK to settle in Ashvale Road, Tooting. My Dad Desmond (now retired) and his brother Leslie (or Buddy as he is known) opened the Garage in 1963, under the name of Springbok to represent the family's earlier life in South Africa.

"My bother Dezi joined the business in 1983, and I took over the running of the office a few years later. My Dad handed over the reins to us when he retired, and we have continued to serve the local community and keep everyone safe on the road.

"Dezi and I have seen the business survive many things, but the pandemic hit us hard. In the early days of the first lockdown, we found it challenging to get spare parts for repairs, and the MOT Extension meant our work had slowed down.

"Thankfully, with the help of our loyal customers, Springbok is beginning to return to normal, and we're approaching the coming months with cautious optimism."

Springbok Garage can be found on 110 Totterdown St, London SW17 8TA. More info on their website: www.springbokgarage.co.uk

Bodyshop Estimator & Manager

Springbok Garage Ltd was established in 1963. We run a busy accident repair centre.

This business is brilliant at retaining and developing staff within the Automotive Industry. Our current employee in this role who is now retiring has been with us for 40 years.

This role would be suitable for an Estimator/Service Reception who has had a minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role.

Responsibilities

* Must be able to use Audatex and Autoflow software. (Training will be provided with office duties)

* Estimating accident repair claims - (This will be an important part of the role)

* Liaising with customers and insurance engineers via Audatex

* Help with managing staff and the day to day of running the Body Shop/Mechanical Shops

* Meeting and greeting customers

* Answering any customer queries. Resolving any issues relating to Technical problems, warranties, services, MOT’s and Accident Repairs

* Checking all documents to ensure all invoices and details are accurate, maintaining all customer record files daily

* Booking in Vehicles and liaising with customers throughout the whole process via phone, email and face to face

* Arranging delivery and collection of courtesy cars and customers cars

* Up-selling of products such as Tyres and Alloy wheel repairs

* Must be well presented

* Full UK Driving Licence

* The ability to work in a fast paced environment

* Strong communication skills and the ability to build a strong relationship with both customers and other members of staff

* Computer literate

* Knowledge of customer enquiries, booking process and invoicing.

* Systematic, highly organised with a keen eye for detail.

Very proud of our high customer rating on Trust A Garage - thanks to all who have posted a review - read them here

MOT Stations in Tooting (SW17 8TA) - Springbok Garage **WELCOME TO SPRINGBOK GARAGE** Established in Tooting Broadway SW17 over 55 years ago, Springbok Garage Ltd has built a reputation of high quality,...