A Christmas Message from Bob and Jackie

First, let us wish all of you – our staff, customers, suppliers, and everyone else – a very Merry Christmas!

The Christmas period always provides a natural time to take a step back from the business and reflect on the happenings of the previous year. We would like to extend our thanks to all our team who have worked so hard this year to maintain the highest levels of service in what has been another challenging year.

Overall, Foster & Heanes has fared very well and got through more lockdowns and Covid restrictions better than most, most definitely down to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our fabulous customers.

The knock-on effect of the MOT Extension still evident

The annual dynamic of MOT testing has changed due to the government extension last year which resulted in a quieter April/May in our workshops and a very busy September/October/November. Like most businesses, we would prefer a consistent workload, but suspect this seasonal peak and trough will remain for a few years yet.

Used car sales have soared in 2021

Used car sales had an extraordinary roller coaster ride this year. Early lockdowns gave a slow start leading to steady progression into Spring. Then a strange thing happened. An unforeseen global shortage of semi-conductors drastically affected new car production and a post lockdown- hungry public turned to used cars instead.
Supply was low, demand was huge and prices soared. This is highly likely to remain well into next year and beyond, with new cars still taking time to be delivered, and with limited quality used stock availability.

The UK’s transition to electric vehicles

Hybrid & electric cars continue to make the London-based Press front pages, and the government appear to be pushing on with outlawing the internal combustion engine at the end of this decade.

Undeniably there is need for massive reduction in fossil fuels, but is electric transport the future?

There is much debate on this, but we feel 8 years to get the whole country mobile on sustainably produced electricity, driving competitively priced cars is a big ask. For some though, who can operate within the constraint of electric, the move over has begun.

At Foster & Heanes we’ve invested in training and facilities to work on all Hybrid & electric cars. Independent garages offer an alternative to main dealers who, without the competition, would charge the user considerably more.

Our branch at Hester’s Garage in Upper Street, Fleet has everything for Electric/Hybrid users.

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy Christmas

At Christmas we must also spare a thought for those in need, those who are less fortunate and those that have been impacted by the pandemic.

Like everyone, we had all hoped that 2021 would see us getting “back to normal” but alas, Covid seems to be sticking to us for a while yet.

Thanks to the vaccine roll-out, at least it looks hopeful that we’ve built some national resilience to enable us to continue as normal as possible.

So, this Christmas we hope you get all your wishes and be with the ones you love, and get to put your feet up and enjoy a glass of whatever’s your poison.

Once again, we thank you for your continued support and hope that 2022 brings you health and happiness.

Here’s wishing everyone the Merriest of Christmas’s and the Happiest of New Years!!!!

Bob & Jackie Ravenscroft