Motoring team driving ahead with expansion
When Jamie Kilgannon first opened Kilgannon Motors for business in 1989, it was in a workshop built at the bottom of his parents’ garden at Hedgesloan in Bannockburn.
Jamie was confident that the dream of running his own garage was the right one for him to follow, and he was right, as Kilgannon Motors is now one of the longest established independent garages in the Stirling area.
As time passed, the business expanded with the support of its growing customer base, both from the local community and beyond.
This led to an extension to the site at Hedgesloan in 2008, providing upgraded facilities and technology to ensure best customer service.
The focus on customer care is at the heart of the community-based garage.
“Meeting customers’ needs and offering best advice is what we believe in,’’ said Jamie.
“We have built a successful business, going from one member of staff to 14, who are learning all the time; the development of our staff is vital to our success.
“So much so that we won an award from Skills Development Scotland for the training opportunities given to our team.
“This is something we are very proud of.’’
It is part of KM business model to train their own staff by offering apprenticeship opportunities, which they have done since the beginning.
From the start Jamie has worked with STEP Stirling, carrying out a business start-up course with them in the early days and is currently getting support for staff development and HR services.
As time went on, it became apparent that customers would benefit from industry knowledge and experience to help them source and purchase their next car.
So at the start of 2016, Kilgannon Motors launched the car sales side of the business, with Jamie welcoming Steven Clydesdale on board as a partner to help develop this.
“Steven and I work well together and we share the same work ethic and focus on excellent customer care and service,” said Jamie.
Steven added: “This photo shows Jamie outside the original garage, beside the red works van that he actually bought from my father around 1989. It seems appropriate that we ended up working together.’’
Jamie and Steven are also proud to be part of the community and have sponsored various local causes over the years.
Kilgannon Motors is the proud sponsor of the Stirling County RFC Academy, which aims to nurture the next generation of rugby players.
They also provide two cars for first team squad members and transport for the kit for away games.
Jamie has been supported by many loyal staff members over the years. His excellent team includes the longest serving member of staff, Shirley Connor, who has been with the company for the last decade and handles the administrative needs of the business.
With further expansion comes the move for the team to the new premises at Newmarket in Bannockburn (former Skoda site), where they are planning to shortly open their very own MOT