BCA to expand remarketing network

BCA is to expand and improve its remarketing services, in addition to further integration of the SMA Auctions business.

Simon Henstock, BCA’s chief operating officer - UK Remarketing, said: “As BCA is handling growing volumes of stock both from existing vendors and new business wins, we are investing in the physical footprint, logistics, technology and process to deliver a comprehensive remarketing service that meets the needs of all our customers.”

He added: “In addition to the network enhancements just announced, BCA is integrating the SMA business, aligning remarketing systems and processes across 23 auction centres nationwide to create a fully cohesive physical and digital marketplace.”

BCA’s network now includes 23 remarketing centres and will be strengthened in 2016 with the addition of a new facility at Perry Barr, Birmingham. Located between Junctions 6 and 7 of the M6, construction of the 20-acre multi-channel remarketing and logistics facility is already well underway and it will open for business later this year.

The new purpose-built site at Perry Barr (pictured) will enable BCA to extend its physical and digital remarketing offering and will deliver a range of de-fleet, inspection, preparation, refurbishment, appraisal post-valet and logistics services.  Remarketing facilities will include three auction halls and a digital auction suite.  There will be undercover viewing for 600 vehicles, with stock from a wide range of vendors including fleet operators, finance companies, leasing and contract hire, dealer groups and manufacturers offered in a regular programme of sales. 

In the south, at Blackbushe, BCA has gained planning permission to utilise a further 36 acres of the site for de-fleet, storage and appraisal post-valet facilities, to improve service for customers and on-site flow and process.  Representing a significant infrastructure project, work has commenced on phase one of a 24 month development programme.

In Belle Vue, Manchester, BCA has acquired a 6.5 acre site adjacent to the existing 32 acre auction facility to develop a new purpose built commercial vehicle remarketing centre.  Planning permission has been gained for the development, which will see the construction of a dedicated LCV auction facility with undercover viewing for 300 vehicles and Live Online auction hall.  The new centre will offer self-contained imaging, video, preparation and appraisal post-valet services.

At BCA Bedford, off J13 of the M1, BCA has acquired a 10 acre site adjacent to the existing facility for the construction of a de-fleet and vehicle storage compound.  The BCA Bedford site has also been enhanced with new post-valet appraisal and imaging facilities.

Henstock added: “The ongoing investment and development of our network and services means BCA is ideally placed to ensure our customers maintain an advantage in this fast moving and competitive environment.”

“Vendors need logistics support, de-fleet and storage facilities, inspection, preparation and appraisal and an efficient and swift route to market that can handle large volumes of vehicles and generate the very best returns to the company bottom line.”

Henstock concluded: “Buyers need clear and concise data well in advance on the availability and grading of the vehicles on offer.  They need pricing data, detailed catalogues, condition reports and high quality imagery and video footage to inform their buying decisions.   And, most importantly, they require access to both physical and digital wholesale channels, so they can acquire the stock to meet the needs of their own customers.”