Factoring Services Group (FSG) says recruiting for its Autocare independent garage scheme is exceeding initial targets.

In November FSG told AM it was looking for 55 garages by June 2005 – it has already signed up more than 60 and expects recruits to total 100 by June.

“Cost has been the only issue,” says Adrian Lamb, FSG automotive group manager. “But what works out at £13 per week in exchange for £4,000 worth of investment in IT, training, three direct mailshots and signage is a good deal. We’re now looking at the next pillars of the programme.

The Autocare co-ordinator is encouraging mechanics to take up the training days and ensuring the first mailshot is sent out within the first month.”

Each sponsoring factor and garage pays £650 for the first year and £700 in subsequent years. With garages in the Midlands eager to sign up, FSG is now focusing efforts on recruiting more in Scotland and southern England.

FSG will relocate its head offices from Skipton to Bradford on February 14. The new office is on the Euroway Trading Estate, Bradford, close to the M62.