Retail customer bookings through epyx’s 1link Service Network e-commerce platform have increased tenfold in the last 12 months.

Through the brand partners with which epyx operates, including motor manufacturers, consumers can make service and maintenance bookings online from a directory of more than 16,000 outlets including franchise dealers, independent garages and fast fits.

Gary Gibson, head of customer services at epyx, said: “During its history of almost 10 years, 1link Service Network has been primarily a means for fleets to do business with service providers and that still very much accounts for a large portion of our transactions.

“However, over the last couple of years, we have worked increasingly with several retail facing partners and motor manufacturers to provide access to 1link for retail customers.

“Over recent years we have seen the number of bookings grow rapidly, particularly in 2011 when we saw a tenfold increase.

“We already operate with a number of major brands and this year is set to see more added to our portfolio."