National motor factor chain, Motor Parts Direct (MPD) is celebrating 25 years in the automotive industry and has kicked off celebrations with a branch manager’s trade event and anniversary dinner.
The 25th anniversary event, held at DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes on 22 June, brought together MPD staff from head office and branch network along with key suppliers.
During the day, more than 250 representatives from across MPD’s 180-strong branch network attended a trade event, where they could meet with suppliers to the business and exchange ideas on working together to promote new ranges and availability to garages nationwide.
In the evening, 450 people packed out the main function room and were treated to dinner, entertainment by singing waiters and music from DJ Howard Enstone.
Be the best for Motor Parts Direct
Earlier in the evening, Motor Parts Direct managing director Darren Wykes addressed the audience, reflecting on the journey of the business in the past 25 years, embracing challenge and opportunity in equal measure with an attitude that has seen the company grow beyond expectation.
“Our objective, when we started, was to be the best at what we do and if you reflect on our mission statement written all those years ago, it still remains as important today as when we first launched the business: ‘Be the natural choice for your customers’,” he stated.
Wykes went on to add that success had been earned through “utilising knowledge and skills, coupled with empowering staff and forging strong relationships with suppliers.”
He called on the business to seize opportunities and thanked everyone for their passion and hard work on taking the brand forward.
These sentiments were echoed by Motus chief executive Niall Lynch, parent company of MPD. He acknowledged the company’s remarkable story, “starting 25 years ago as a single outlet and blossoming into a 180-branch operation,”
“This growth is not just in numbers, but in the determination and ambition that have become the hallmark of the Motor Parts Direct brand,” Lynch added.
“We are at the cusp of a new era, where our expertise, innovation, and service will lead the way. As we look to the next 25 years, let us carry forward the legacy of excellence, the commitment to quality, and the culture of success that have been the pillars of MPD.”
Awards success
The evening also featured the Motor Parts Direct awards for 2023-24. The winners on the night were:
Top Supplier voted for by MPD Head Office
Winner: WAI
Runner Up: ZF Aftermarket
Runner Up: Niterra (NGK)
Top Supplier voted for by MPD branches
Winner: Bilstein Group
Runner Up: Liqui Moly
Runner Up: Ultraparts
Most Improved Branch
Winner: Elland
Runner Up: Sevenoaks
Runner Up: Bridgwater
Top performing branch on sales over targets
Winner: Bridgwater
Runner Up: Farnham
Runner Up: Bradford
Top branch on overall achievement
Winner: Petersfield
Runner Up: Maidenhead
Runner Up: Martlesham
Top performing Region
Winner: Region 8
Runner Up: Region 4
Runner Up: Region 13
