Ensuring a garage can remain inclusive in the digital age is no easy task, with online searches taking precedence over, or backing up, word-of-mouth recommendations. However, by building a bespoke website, Rew Auto Services has managed to do just that.
The workshop in Chichester has long been recognised for its inclusive, customer-first ethos. This reputation now sees women make up around 70% of its customer base. With a strong focus on approachability and fair pricing, Rew Auto Services has grown steadily over the past 22 years.
Now, as part of its latest phase of development, the business is expanding its service offering and strengthening its digital presence to support long-term growth.
Change in interaction
The garage, a Bosch Car Service Centre, currently occupies a 6,000sq ft site with seven ramps and a team of eight. Owner Rew Reed, an IMI Master Technician and Certified Advanced Automotive Engineer, says customer satisfaction has always been central, but how customers find and interact with the garage has changed.
“Word of mouth is still our biggest driver, particularly amongst women. But even so, those people go straight online to check us out,” he said. “We needed something that reflected the values and professionalism of Rew Auto Services, and made life easier for the customer.”
Having previously relied on a website that looked presentable but delivered very little traffic, Rew turned to Garage Services Online after recommendations from fellow Bosch network garages. The new site, live since early 2025, is already bringing in at least 10 online enquiries per week, with around 80% converting to jobs, particularly in the targeted area of servicing work.
The site is helping Rew Auto Services attract the kind of work it wants, generate a steady stream of online leads, and support future growth. Rew says it has quickly become a key part of how the workshop manages customer demand and plans ahead.
“It is exactly what we asked for, relevant and local lead generation. It is a professional platform that speaks to the type of customer we work well with,” said Reed. “I wish I had known about Garage Services Online 10 years ago.”
Visibility key for Rew Auto Services
The visibility boost has helped underpin wider growth plans. Rew Auto Services has just installed a motorcycle MOT bay and will soon be offering a full range of motorbike services, something Reed says is a direct result of the confidence and demand the website is helping to generate.
He also praised the simplicity of GSO’s website design and build process. “It was one phone call. They understood exactly what we needed, and the first version they showed us was virtually perfect. Since then, any updates we have asked for have been handled within two hours. I would rather run the business than manage the website. Garage Services Online makes that easy.”
Jim Lang, managing director at Garage Services Online, said: “Rew Reed knew exactly the kind of work he wanted to attract. Our job was to build a site that made it easy for the right customers to find him.”
Reed sees the Rew Auto Services’ website as a core part of the workshop’s day-to-day infrastructure and one that will continue to support future growth.
“It is not an optional extra anymore,” he concluded. “It helps people find us, gives them confidence, and turns interest into bookings.”
