Ontime Automotive are on the road to future growth following a management buyout by Justin Brinklow, grandson of the company’s founder.
Justin’s grandfather founded Ontime in 1948 and Justin joined the family company in 1991, eventually becoming managing director.
He has now become the majority shareholder in the Chipping Warden-based vehicle transportation specialist, with the help of funding from NatWest.
This allows Justin to steer Ontime towards the future, with a plan that combines acquisitions across Europe with organic growth of existing services, both in the UK and on the continent.
Mr Curley said: “Justin has big growth ambitions for Ontime Automotive, and it’s great that we’ve been able to support him on this part of his journey. We look forward to seeing what’s next for the company under his management.”
A brief history of Ontime
Since its founding, Ontime has grown to become the leading global provider of automotive transportation services to prestige manufacturers and high net worth individuals.
In 2004, 100% of the shareholding was bought by the Bidvest Group, a South African trading, distribution and services group, but the MBO has now returned ownership to J&J Brinklow Holdings Ltd and put the business back in the hands of the family that founded it.
The company’s mission statement is:
- To be the market leader in automotive transportation and repatriation services
- To deliver outstanding value to customers via enlightened management of staff
- To provide unwavering commitment to stakeholders along with progressive environmental policies
This is underpinned by a long list of values such as transparency in business dealings, a willingness to embrace change, and passion and drive in everything we do.
What’s on the road map for Ontime Automotive?
Ontime Automotive will continue to provide high-end services for vehicle transportation, storage and repatriation of supercars, sports cars and other high-value vehicles.
Justin has ambitions to expand the business organically over the next two years, to further strengthen its position and provide a solid platform for the years that follow.
This is in addition to his plans to investigate potential acquisitions both domestically and across Europe, so that Ontime can offer even more services across the continent.
Already, the Ontime workforce spans seven sites in the UK and one in Calais, with a total of 110 employees and some of the planet’s largest prestige vehicle manufacturers as clients.
Justin said: “Ontime Automotive is a family business and it’s important to me that I continue to expand the company to the best that it can be.
“We had great support from NatWest through the entire buyout, making it a really smooth transition and enabling us to now focus on the next growth milestone.”
He added: “Our long-term vision for the business is growth through acquisition, but I’m very keen to expand the firm organically first. We hope that through any acquisitions, we can grow our presence in Europe too.”