Solo Car Sales, a family-operated used car dealership in Anfield, has completed a £400,000 renovation of its premises. The project, led by father-and-son team Stephen and James McConville, introduces a modern showroom and upgraded facilities as the business approaches its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 2008, the independent dealer has sold over 13,000 vehicles and has now invested significantly to align its physical space with its reputation for customer service and quality.
Key Takeaways
- Solo Car Sales in Anfield has invested £400,000 in a major site renovation.
- The business was founded in 2008 by James McConville and his father, Stephen.
- The company has sold more than 13,000 cars since its establishment.
- Upgrades include new offices, customer facilities, EV chargers, and professional handover bays.
- The renovation aims to improve the customer experience and reflect the company's growth and values.
A Family Business Two Decades in the Making
Solo Car Sales was established in 2008 by director James McConville and his father, Stephen. The business combined Stephen's extensive experience in smaller-scale car sales with James's entrepreneurial drive. Operating from their Anfield site, the company has seen consistent growth over the past 16 years.
To date, the dealership has sold more than 13,000 vehicles, building a substantial customer base across Liverpool and beyond. The company points to thousands of positive reviews on platforms like Google, TrustPilot, and AutoTrader as evidence of its commitment to service.
From Autographs to Automobiles
James McConville's business acumen was apparent from a young age. Before entering the motor trade, the 37-year-old from Old Swan engaged in a different type of commerce. "I always had a business interest. I would be an autograph hunter," James explained. "I would go and get things signed by all the Liverpool and Everton footballers and then sell them on eBay."
After leaving school, he enrolled in a business economics course at Liverpool John Moores University. However, he soon decided that a hands-on approach was better suited to his ambitions and left his studies to work alongside his father, officially launching Solo Car Sales.
Steady Expansion Over 16 Years
The company's growth has been physical as well as financial. What began as a single unit has expanded significantly. "Since 2008, we’ve expanded from one unit to four, whilst also adding a local storage yard to facilitate our continuous growth," James noted. This expansion was a key driver behind the decision to undertake the recent large-scale renovation.
The £400,000 Transformation
The recent £400,000 investment marks the most significant upgrade in the company's history. The leadership team felt the previous facilities no longer matched the brand's identity or the level of service they aimed to provide.
"For years, my dad and I felt that the showroom wasn’t reflecting who we are and how we operate," James McConville stated. "Our valued staff and customers alike deserved better facilities, and that’s what we’ve created after hours and hours of hard work."
Showroom Upgrades at a Glance
- Office Space: Increased from four basic offices to seven modern offices.
- Staff Facilities: A new, dedicated staff room has been created.
- Customer Amenities: Enhanced customer facilities for a more comfortable experience.
- Modern Infrastructure: Installation of new EV (Electric Vehicle) chargers.
- Handover Experience: Creation of professional, dedicated bays for vehicle handovers.
The new showroom is designed to provide a more professional and welcoming environment. James added, "We had four offices and quite basic facilities but now, our showroom truly reflects what Solo Car Sales is... We’re very excited to welcome our customers - both familiar faces returning and new - to the showroom and give them the true Solo Car Sales experience in much more fitting surroundings."
Challenging Industry Perceptions
A core motivation for James McConville is to improve the public perception of the used car industry. He is focused on building a business model centered on transparency and trust, moving away from aggressive sales tactics sometimes associated with the sector.
"Our aim is always to set a new standard for how buying a car should feel and we act accordingly, putting people before profit, transparency before tactics, and long-term trust before short-term gains."
This philosophy is something James aims to instill in his entire team. He emphasizes that the customer journey is paramount. "Car dealerships can get a bit of a bad rap. I’m passionate about changing the perception of the used car industry by raising the bar on care, clarity and genuine connection," he said.
The business caters to a wide range of customers, from local residents purchasing everyday vehicles to high-profile clients. According to the company, professional footballers such as Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Liverpool FC's Kostas Tsimikas are among their celebrity clientele.
Future Plans and Community Focus
With the new showroom now open, the focus for Solo Car Sales is to continue its growth while maintaining its core values. The company sees the renovation as a foundation for its future, allowing it to better serve its primary customer base in Liverpool.
James credits the local community for the company's long-term success. "It’s about how our team makes our customers feel, and the majority of our customers are the people of Liverpool," he stated. "They’re our people that make Solo Car Sales successful and we never forget that."
Looking ahead, the goal remains straightforward. "As we look to the future with our new showroom, our goal is to continue doing what we do - looking after the people of Liverpool. And to continue cementing our brand as one of the best and most reliable retailers in the country."