Independent garages are being urged to diversify to help drive their business through the recession.

The advice comes from Jonas Zambikides, managing director of Porsche service specialist JZM Machtech and Independent Garage Association (IGA) chairman.

Last month he launched a used Porsche sales business at his site in Kings Langley.

The showroom opened with a forecast of selling one car in June. However, the business sold 20, boosted by custom from the extensive list of service customers JZM has built up.

Zambikides had been planning the sales business for two years and admits the recession had delayed it slightly.

IT costs overran and a planned tuning product display and wash bay have been delayed until some launch costs have been recouped.

He aims to add JZM branded track days for customers next year.

He said: “It’s always been our belief you should push ahead and put another leg under the table.

"I really think other independent garages should get up and do something to help their business and as the chairman of the IGA I want to lead by example.”

Buyers are offered tailored warranty packages drawn up by JZM with Lawgistics. JZM also offers a brokering service to customers that want to sell their Porsche.

Stock ranges from nearly new to classic Porsches, and all undergo a 100-point inspection.

Zambikides recruited Russ Rosenthal from a Porsche Retail Centre to take care of sales and warranties for customers.

Rosenthal is a Porsche owner himself and used to get his car serviced at the JZM site.