A1 Clutches has been trading successfully for 34 years, and owner Amrik Singh’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit and seizing opportunity. With four branches across the West Midlands, specialising in the automotive industries, becoming one of the market leaders in the clutch, Dual mass flywheel, manual and semi-automatic transmission specialists have kept their communities moving since 1990. From the young age of 12 years old and working in his father’s shop, learning various retail trades, Amrik found his path in the automotive industry, fitting and replacing clutches. It began at a local garage where he steadily built solid relationships with customers and local businesses through simple courtesies he’d been taught as a boy. As the garage fell on hard times, Amrik saw the perfect opportunity to use these connections and use his business acumen well.
As my father said, “A cup of tea is always the starting point. “Amrik recalls, “If someone comes into my home or business, I open my arms and embrace them, offering them a drink. It’s a great way to get to know someone and is the backbone of my business ethos.”
Amrik’s simple yet effective approach was a game-changer. He was able to rely on his previous customers, clients, and even the landlord, who took a chance on him. It was through these relationships that A1 Clutches was born and has thrived ever since. However, it’s not just about goodwill. Amrik emphasizes that in this industry, customers aren’t always loyal. Customer satisfaction is paramount, but price will always reign supreme, a fact that A1 Clutches understands and implements.
Amrik said, “It’s a tough industry at times, and there is fierce competition in every area. We always ensure we’re the best on price, allowing us to keep people coming through the doors. We need to lean on each other sometimes to make that possible, and we’re fortunate to be able to do that. It can be unforgiving, but if we do the job at the best price and to the best standard, then we know our customers will not only keep coming back but keep on growing.”
“GSF has always been a staple for us since the very beginning. Getting top-quality, original parts on our doorstep is essential, and GSF never lets us down. They always go the extra mile if we’re in need, and our relationship has never changed with them. As we’ve grown as a business, GSF has accommodated our requirements at each branch that serves us. We have a strong relationship built on many years of understanding and respect, and they’ll always be our choice.”