Q. How has the price of petrol impacted on your business?

A.No one is immune from the huge increases in fuel prices that we have all experienced over the last year, it impacts on every area of our lives, regardless of whether or not we drive. For our business, it affects a lot of the products and services we buy, and it is definitely in our customers' minds when they are looking to buy a car. The reality is that most people drive a particular type of vehicle for a reason and will need to in the future; we have to help them find the right car for their particular needs.


Q. What measures have you taken to lessen the fuel burden and/or other costs?

A.All of the vehicle manufacturers have been dedicating significant resources to improving fuel economy which benefits our customers and the environment. The recent increases in fuel costs will cause them to re-double their efforts. In the short term, many of our customers are changing to newer cars to benefit from these improvements in fuel economy which can reduce costs while still driving the vehicle that they need. The servicing requirements for newer cars are also less.


Q. The superb performance of Team GB at the Beijing Olympics has injected a feel good factor throughout the country. If you could wave a magic wand what would have a similar effect on your business?

A.I would like the media to stop trying to "out-gloom" each other with sensational headlines predicting doom and the end of the world. The economy may need to slow, but it needn't stop and no one will be served well by an unnecessary collapse fuelled by media speculation.


Q. How do you view the state of businesses in Greater Peterborough as the credit crunch takes a grip?

A.As such, the credit crunch is already over, we can see that in the mortgage lending rates, and the banks are getting back to normal. The slowdown of the economy, however, will probably last longer and will impact on everyone. Strong businesses which serve the needs of their customers will survive and may even emerge strengthened by the opportunities that are presented – you know what they say about investing at the bottom of the market.