Innovative and cost-saving motorist app launches with the help of Elevate Worcestershire.

Redditch-based business, Autoconnect, soft launched its new innovative app at the NEC Automotive Show following specialist support received from the Elevate Worcestershire Programme. 

The programme which supports established small to medium-sized enterprises, with solid growth ambitions, is part funded by the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Worcestershire County Council.

Autoconnect received specialist marketing and coaching support through the programme, enabling them to deliver a successful launch at the NEC event.

The consumer app, Autofile, is designed to take the hassle out of car ownership by giving drivers one place to keep on top of servicing and other issues. The game-changing app gives dealerships, repairers, and suppliers a dramatically cheaper and more targeted way to communicate with their clients.

Autofile has partnered with a fellow Elevate Worcestershire cohort member, Green Gorilla Software, based in Bromsgrove, to develop the app software.

Mark Taylor-Jones, one of Autofile’s Directors, said; “The programme was brilliant. Despite having lots of automotive experience, marketing, particularly digital marketing, was something we felt we needed guidance on. In addition to the marketing support we received; I also found the peer-to-peer element extremely useful.

“It was fantastic to speak to other businesses in other sectors. To get an insight into how they run and operate their businesses was invaluable as it is not something you can do day to day. The programme introduced me to loads of new ways of doing things and ideas which I never would have thought of. We also made a great connection with a fellow business owner on the programme who runs a PR company, which has been incredibly useful.”

Since its launch, the company has successfully built a strong pipeline of clients who are eager to start using the app.

Having completed the support element of the programme, they are now in the process of applying for an Elevate Grant to part fund phase two developments and they have plans to take on three new employees, which will include developers.