John Bestwick outside his shop, which began trading in 1953

JB: It was established by my grandfather, whose name was also John Bestwick, in 1953. So we have been an established business in this area for over half a century! I joined in 1991 at the age of 30, after spending 11 years in the Met Police.

Was it a good decision to leave the police?

JB: Yes. I’d always had aspirations to run my own business, so this was the logical thing to do and keep the shop in the family. We felt we could easily go it alone as an independent.

Now, though, you are a member of A1Ms… has this affected your independence?

JB: Not at all. I still run the business as I wish. The independence of this shop is very precious to me – in fact, A1Ms helps us stay that way.

What persuaded you to join A1Ms?

JB: A visit from CEO Derrick Lawton. He came to see me one day at the shop and explained the virtues of A1Ms. I listened to what he had to say, thought about it for a while, then in February 2004 we took the plunge and became a member.

Was there anything specific that helped you make this decision?

JB: The big thing that really helped us make our minds up were the improved buying terms we would get – terms that we would never have been able to command as a small independent.

Were there any other key benefits you ‘discovered’ once you were a member?

JB: I guess the marketing opportunities, which we could not have afforded by ourselves. A1MS gives us the ability to distribute thousands of A1-branded leaflets and brochures specific to JG Bestwick, as well as providing in-store point of sale and window posters.

A1Ms also helps drive people into the shop through national advertising campaigns, which focus both on the A1 brands and on product lines that preferred suppliers and A1 agree to promote.

The group also helps me manage the shop more effectively. Seasonal adjustments to stock, finding out about new trends, knowing what’s selling nationally, getting ideas from other members at our regional meetings – all these things are beneficial.

What influence do members have on the business strategy of the group?

JB: A1Ms is democratic. New ideas can easily be put forward at the AGM or at regional meetings – the minutes of which are always read by the executive committee. Members contribute to decisions on business strategy.

And A1Ms has moved more significantly into distribution, with its new warehouse and A12U. Why is this advantageous for you?

JB: Mainly that the profile of the stock held in the warehouse is structured with input from the members. We can ask A12U to stock product we like – especially goods that are popular but difficult to secure with a carriage-paid order. With A12U you can order very low densities of stock at low carriage-paid amounts that wouldn’t be possible if you were dealing with a supplier directly. This in effect gives us our own custom made, extended stockroom!

If you had to identify the biggest benefit of being a member, what would it be?

JB: Maybe improved payment terms. Maybe the fact that A1Ms helps you keep in touch with industry trends. Or maybe the fact that A1Ms is more than just a buying group. I think that’s the biggest thing. There are many other facets of membership that help you maintain and grow your business.

John Bestwick outside his shop, which began trading in 1953

John – you’re the owner of JG Bestwick, an independent store (and member of A1 Motor Stores) just outside Derby. When did JG Bestwick begin?