Karl Vella Group wins prestigious industry award for business growth
A LEADING Lancashire autobody repair company has been handed a prestigious award for its rate of growth over the past 12 months. The Karl Vella Group received the Largest Annual Growth Award in the ABP Club’s Independent Site Bodyshop Group at is glittering Night of Knights ceremony in Leicestershire last week.
Despite a tough financial climate, the Group has experienced growth of around 15% in the past year – something which company bosses put down to the company’s willingness to invest. David Vella, Group Operations Director, said: “This year we are celebrating our 25th year in business but this award proves we are not sitting on our laurels and living on past successes, we are looking ahead to the future with confidence.
“In the past 12 months, we have acquired a new site in Barrow, Cumbria, through the acquisition of County Coachbuilders Automotive which saved 27 jobs on that site. We have also invested substantial amounts in equipment and training across our Merseyside and Lancashire sites, and diversified by doing more retail work.
“This has meant that we have been able to keep people on without having to go down to a three day week, something which I know other companies both inside and outside our industry have had to do.”
It’s been a busy year for the Karl Vella Group, which started out in 1986 with its owner, Karl Vella MBE, with just one employee and a garage in Southport. Since then, the Group has expanded to sites in Skelmersdale, Blackburn, Preston and latterly Barrow, as well as retaining its site in Southport. It is an active supporter of local community groups and has provided financial assistance to a range of community groups in the areas where it operates, including stepping in to save Blackburn Lions, Rotary and Round Table’s annual November 5 bonfire event, as well as becoming the main sponsor of the West Lancashire Girls Football League.
Recently, Karl coached young Ross Varnam, 21, of Leicester, to silver at the WorldSkills championships in London.
David concluded: “The financial climate is tough at the moment but we believe that by investing, we are sowing the seeds for growth now and in the years to come.”