Phil Merritt from Smart Car UK - Summer August Q&A 2021

It's August and the height of summer although the weather may not always reflect that. Often in business it can be a slower month as children are not at school, parents take time off and many people take a break. Will this year be as different as last year? Time will tell.

We've been talking to various business owners about their summer and autumn plans and today we're talking to Phil Merritt who is a director of SMART CAR UK, a premium car body repair business for Swindon. 

How is August looking in your business? 

Glad to announce three new members of staff for August. Gareth who is a highly skilled and qualified panel guy and George who is an equally skilled & qualified car stripper and fitter.

What are your personal plans for this month – if you are happy to share? Can you give us a ‘tip’ for places to visit during this summer month? 

A must do for sunny August is a trip to Spring Lake, Cirencester.  Water skiing, paddle boarding, swimming and of course a pint and some food at Lakeside Brasserie.  Booking is essential!

The Olympics – Tokyo 2020 – have finished now though the Paralympics are on their way. What were your highlights of the Games? 

I thought the cycling in the velodrome was really good, I loved that. I love the athletics too, it was superb. I am awed by the achievements of Laura and Jason Kenny, and am thrilled that Jason is now the most decorated Olympian above the likes of Sir Chris Hoy & Sir Steven Redgrave.

Did you know August 21 is World Entrepreneurs Day? What does this word mean to you and do you apply it to yourself? 

I see myself as a hard-working individual with a bit of sales in me. I'm not a Sir Richard Branson or Sir Alan Sugar. You have to be an entrepreneur to a certain degree to run a business - however it's about a balance between being business minded, being patient, being an HR manager and being many things. You have to be a caring human being as well as a business owner who sometimes has to make tough decisions. 

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too? Who has gone the extra mile for you recently? 

Shout out to Steph Rickaby of Sunflower Accounts based just outside of Swindon. With me she's very patient and has been of such help during the last year or more. 

https://sunfloweraccounts.co.uk

As we move further through the pandemic, how are you feeling about the future of business in general in August 2021? 

Not with standing the great loss of those who succumbed to the virus; the NHS, children’s education, everyone’s mental health and the economy have all suffered enormously.  We have a lot of catching up to do.  Fingers crossed this isn’t a false start.  

Have you got any events planned for the autumn you’d like to shout about – either that you are attending? 

Live At Lydiard - we are so looking forward to the music and everyone coming together in a healthy manner. This feels like it's been a long time and we are excited about it. 

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?

Often in the world of body shop repairs, you are charged for an estimate for works as the estimate can be quite complex, use sophisticated software which costs the business to use. We don't do this - you will get a free estimate. So don't be afraid to get in touch if you want to discuss possible work on your vehicle. 

And finally, August 16 is National Tell a Joke Day? Can you tell us a joke and raise a laugh? 

I have a raft of terrible jokes at my finger tips. Here's just one: 

What did one hat say to the other?

You stay here and I'll go on ahead! 

Find out more at www.smartcaruk.com