Every Monday, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Graham Clark, managing director of Anderson Clark Motor Repairs in Inverness.
How and why did you start in business?
My friend, David Anderson, and I were both senior managers in a well-established franchise dealership in Inverness. We were very unhappy with the work ethos of our employer and knew we could offer a far better service ourselves, so in 1996 we took the plunge and established Anderson Clark Motor Repairs.
Moving from good, safe salaries to self-employment was a risk, but one worth taking.
How did you get to where you are today?
Through hard work, attention to detail, integrity and providing excellent value for money.
We started in a small, rented property, with only friends and family as customers. Today, 26 years later, we provide customers with everything from MOTs to air conditioning, wheel alignment, engine diagnostics, brake and clutch repairs and professional servicing. We have approximately 2,500 active customers, annual turnover approaching £2 million and a great, 13-strong team, We’ve also won all sorts of awards.
Who helped you?
We joined the Federation of Small Businesses just after we started and it helped us enormously, especially with the legal and financial aspects of our business. It could not have been more engaging and helpful.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
To maintain a cash reserve sufficient to cover at least three months of outgoings at all times. I’ve always done it – and what a blessing it has been, for it saved the business at the height of the pandemic in 2020, when no-one was driving.
What is your biggest mistake?
I take great care to plan and avoid mistakes. If things do go wrong financially, while they can be painful, it’s never enough to cause sleepless nights. One mistake that did annoy me was when I travelled all the way to Plockton to collect a vehicle, only to find when I got there I’d left the keys on my desk in Inverness.
What is your greatest achievement?
Building a successful, award-winning business that provides secure employment for our great staff. We are proud to have Investors in People and Investors In Young People gold status.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I’d reduce the red tape that stifles entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among small businesses, and I’d reduce corporation tax and business rates.
What do you still hope to achieve?
To be a good grandfather to my newborn grandson, Ralphie.
What do you do to relax?
Spare time is spent with my friends, either watching football, cycling or running, and I waste way too much time on social media.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
Derry Girls, Still Game and Scot Squad.
What do you waste your money on?
I’m in charge of income, while my wife and co-director, Sheila, is in charge of expenditure – so that’s a question for Mrs Clark.
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Scan my emails and messages at breakfast, and then commute to the office by bicycle or van.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a VW van. I promised myself my dream car, a Porsche, when I reached 40 – 20 years ago.
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