A family-run mechanical parts firm in Stornoway – started from a kitchen table in lockdown – has hailed its move into its new, hi-spec premises as a “major milestone” in its growth to navigate unique island challenges and become ever more responsive to customers’ needs.
Parts+ is a family-run business now based in Bells Road, that supplies parts, lubricants, tools, paint, and workshop consumables to customers throughout the Western Isles.
The supplier explains its customers range from local motorists and DIY enthusiasts to garages, taxis, haulage companies, contractors, fish farms, marine operators, and industrial businesses.
Whether it's a replacement battery for a family car, lubricants for plant machinery, filters for a fishing vessel or specialist parts for a commercial vehicle, Parts+ Managing Director, Daniel Maciver, promises that it is his company’s aim to always provide a knowledgeable and dependable service.
“Moving into our new premises marks a major milestone for Parts+ and one that we are incredibly proud of, Mr Maciver explains. “The business began during the COVID pandemic after I identified a gap in the local market for a supplier that could offer a wide range of automotive, commercial vehicle, marine and industrial parts backed by local knowledge, personal service and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by businesses and motorists in the Western Isles,” he adds.
The business owner revealed that he started Parts+ from his kitchen table during lockdown steadily growing from a one-person operation to employing staff as more customers across the islands started using our services.
“We expanded into shipping containers, which gave us the space to grow the business further, broaden our product range offering and establish ourselves within the local market, he said, “The business now has one part-time and five full time employees including me”.
Mr Maciver is keen to acknowledge the importance of an additional and beloved team member, his dog, Willow. “She loves seeing customers and I think they like seeing her too!” he laughs.
The 30-year-old entrepreneur told WLS that one of the key drivers behind the business has always been providing local customers with a responsive supplier they can rely on.
“Operating in an island location presents unique challenges, and we understand how important it is for businesses and individuals to have access to expert advice and practical solutions from a local company that understands those challenges first-hand, Daniel says”
“Our move into larger premises represents far more than simply relocating to a bigger building. It provides the foundation for the next stage of the company's development and allows us to create a much-improved environment for both trade and retail customers. The additional space gives us greater flexibility to develop the business, expand our product offering and continue improving the overall customer experience,” he adds.
Alongside the investment in the premises itself, the firm is investing in new systems and technology designed to streamline the enquiry and sales processing a bid to make it easier for customers to obtain quotations, place orders and receive updates while ensuring enquiries are handled quickly, accurately, and consistently.
Summing up what customers can expect in the future, Mr Maciver, reveals: “By combining modern systems with local knowledge and personal service, we believe we can continue raising the standard of service available locally.
“Our focus is on continuous improvement as we look ahead. We are working to strengthen supplier relationships, broaden our product range, improve internal processes, and ensure that Parts+ continues to evolve alongside the needs of local customers.
“We want to be recognised not only for the products we supply, but also for the service, expertise and support we provide to businesses and individuals throughout the islands.”
Paying tribute to all those who have helped him take Parts+ from a one-man band to a modern and comprehensive service, Daniel concluded: “None of this would have been possible without the support of our customers, suppliers, staff and the wider community.
“We are grateful for that support and look forward to continuing to serve the Western Isles for many years to come.”
