Welcome to First Stop Partners!

First Stop offers independent tyre retailers the chance to maintain control of their business, whilst benefiting from the support of Bridgestone - the largest tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world.

What is First Stop?
First Stop is a loyalty program created for independent tyre retailers by Bridgestone - the largest tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world. Since its foundation in 1994, the First Stop network has continued its steady expansion.The tyre and car service network now consists today of over 1,900 partners in 23 European countries. In the UK, we have over 160 members and we are still looking for new recruits.

Our strategy
First Stop is a major strategic partner for Bridgestone across Europe. Although the network is part-owned by Bridgestone, the majority of the outlets are owned by the experienced independent tyre dealers. By combining our skills we hope to strengthen the network and offer the highest levels of customer service in the industry.

You benefit by having the support of the largest tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world. We benefit by harnessing the entrepreneurial skills of a successful business.

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Benefits of Joining

Independence: You remain in full control of your business.

Support: You will have the support of Bridgestone - the largest tyre and rubber manufacturer in the world.

Business Development Manager: You will be assigned a BDM who has access to a full range of tools to help you develop your business. The activity your BDM can support you with ranges from Mystery shopping & Training to Promotional campaigns and staff incentives.

Price: You will benefit from preferential buying terms for our tyre brands: Bridgestone, Firestone

Internet presence: Your depot will be added to the Dealer Locator on the First Stop public website www.firststop-tyreexperts.co.uk

Press agency Our team will support you with local press coverage of any events of news within your business

Marketing Services We have a range of agencies and experienced in house staff who can assist you with all types of marketing activity, from helping you generate customer footfall, to developing plans to improve customer retention.

Customer Record management & Marketing software Designed in co-operation with one of our primary agencies, Market link is an excellent tool to improve communications with your customer base.

Geo Mapping We have resources and systems available allowing us to help you identify any opportunities you may be missing out on in your area.

Clothing & POS A full range of clothing and POS materials are available to First Stop members, your BDM can assist you with your requirements

Promotions Bridgestone/First Stop will deliver a number of Retail promotions to the First Stop network throughout the year, there is even the opportunity to develop specific campaigns that are perfect for your businesses requirements.

Model Store Programme You will be able to implement the First Stop Model Store concept at your depot. The Model Store concept represents a new approach to tyre sales. Its customer-friendly architecture aims to satisfy the changing needs of the modern motorist.

Training Your staff will be able to benefit from our training expertise. We offer a full range of technical and customer facing courses for all your training needs. From Roadside Breakdown courses, to Customer Care training, we've got something for everyone.

Diversified Products You can take advantage of all the exclusive deals we have negotiated with our preferred suppliers. The size of our network means we have a greater bargaining power than an individual outlet. We continue to organise deals on all manner of products such as: batteries, brakes, insurance, mystery shopping, training etc.

Downloads You will be able to download all sorts of useful information. Items include: databooks, OE fitment guides, newsletters, logos, tyre images etc.

We hope you found this summary useful. If you need any further information our BDMs will be happy to help.

 

Who are Bridgestone?

The Bridgestone Corporation, with its head office in Tokyo, are the world's largest manufacturer of tyres and other rubber products. Tyres account for 80% of the Bridgestone Group's world-wide turnover. Our famous tyre brands include: Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton

The company also manufactures industrial rubber products and chemicals, sports equipment and various other products. Tyres and other products are sold in more than 150 countries. Bridgestone is also a keen competitor in motor sport, having provided tyres for: Formula 1, Indy Car, GP2, Moto GP and Champ Car to name but a few.

Bridgestone have achieved phenomenal success in Formula 1 since entering the arena in 1997. The Bridgestone-McLaren combination quickly gained F1 supremacy with the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles won in 1998. www.bridgestone.eu

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