The company, which was started by Rob Ally in a small single unit 36 years ago and moved to its present site in 2010, has seen strong growth in terms of staff and turnover and now holds over 30 manufacturer approvals for repairs.
Rob, who has always been committed to giving back to the city through the success of the business – from sponsorship of Coventry City FC and Coventry Rugby Club through to support for local grassroots sports teams and charities, said the latest move was fresh recognition of the role the whole team plays in XL Motors’ growth.
The company already pays additional attendance and success bonuses to all staff – including those on the minimum wage – but wanted to enhance salaries even further by committing to make basic pay even higher.
He said: “From March of this year, nobody in the business will have a basic pay at minimum wage level – be that the standard rate or the apprenticeship rate for our apprentices.
“We’ve previously introduced several ways to reward staff – such as weekly attendance bonuses which can significantly boost what someone takes home each month anyway – but we felt this commitment was a real stake in the ground for us to show the team how much they are valued.
“Everyone – from office staff through to valeters and from yard staff through to highly skilled mechanical staff – all play a part in the work we do and the overall success of the business, so this is recognition of that.
“We know that times have been tough from a cost-of-living point of view and this is the next step for us in supporting our staff on minimum pay.”
Rob added that the company was committed to continuing to bring through apprentices too.
He said: “It’s easy to look at the next generation and see the differences from when I started work but we realise that young people need opportunities and a company that will commit to their development.
“Your place of work is a big part of your life and we want everyone to have a positive experience when they are with us and that has led to really low turnover of staff over the years.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the business and saw behind the scenes of the accident repair centre, body shop and service centre, and met office and customer service staff.
Corin said: “This is exactly what good business is all about. XL Motors is well-known in the city and continues to grow due to its expertise and commitment to service, and Rob and the management recognise the huge role all their staff play in that.
“Through making this commitment – and all of the additional benefits they offer – they are sharing the success with staff at all levels.
“When I became chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, I said that we don’t exist to simply help businesses and those at the top to get richer.
“We want businesses to be successful and to be highly profitable but we want to see that benefit their staff and the local community. XL Motors embodies that perfectly and I wish them further success in the future.”
