Polished Bliss

Based in north-east Scotland, Polished Bliss is a small business run by three passionate individuals, husband and wife, Richard & Angela Cooper plus Clark Aitken, who have carved out a niche in the car maintenance sector. In just four years the business has grown from a vision to a very successful specialist car care business turning over £500,000, with growth forecast to £650,000 next year. And the recession has had no impact on their growth, in fact it has probably helped with more owners keeping their cars longer and taking an interest in keeping them looking smart.

This is a multi-channel business but ecommerce (using Actinic software) is key for product sales which bring in 90% of revenue. It supplies a top quality range of 400 car care products (including many exclusive brands), plus offers car detailing (extremely high-end valeting) services for local owners with prestige cars, all backed by free expert advice. The case looks at the secrets of their success that include:

• Unique business model for the sector
• The right customer mix
• Sourcing quality, non-high street products
• Focus on ecommerce to maximise reach in UK and beyond
• Getting marketing right
• Having a team with the perfect combo of personalities and skills.

Richard Cooper also gives advice for web start-ups.

Website: www.polishedbliss.co.uk Location: Kintore, Aberdeenshire

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