Two of the fastest-growing companies in the UK automotive market have formed a business partnership that stems from more than 2 decades of goodwill and trust. Best Autocentres and Giuliano Automotive UK started working together in late 2025, when both companies were starting a journey that is built on a combination of growth and traditional values.
It was over 25 years ago that Marc Ainslie, Chief Operating Officer of Best Autocentres, and James Boon, then heading up equipment manufacturers Hofmann, first started dealing with each other. Marc was actually using tyre equipment back then, starting on a journey into management that began with running one of the busiest tyre shops in the World. James was supplying the equipment into that facility that needed a degree of customisation and an unusually demanding level of support required for such a busy location.
Fast forward to 2025 and both individuals had been on a trajectory that saw Marc join Best Autocentres as part of a management team with a clear remit to expand exponentially, and James having recently established Giuliano Automotive UK, following a 20-year journey that saw him found and ultimately sell Hofmann Megaplan UK.
“When I was first contact by Best Autocentres I had no knowledge of Marc’s involvement, but I was really impressed by their passion and plans to grow”, comments James. “When I heard that Marc had joined, I immediately knew there could be a great opportunity because I had worked with him before and I know his level of appreciation for good equipment and service.”
Giuliano have already equipped multiple locations with high-performance tyre and alignment equipment, which was carefully selected to ensure that future growth in volume would be catered for. The SX226 tyre changer and P43 wheel balancer, complete with additional accessories for specialist vehicles, ensure that the company is able to offer a professional tyre facility, and the i-Lign 2 CCD wheel alignment system puts Best Autocentres in the position to offer a fast but comprehensive alignment service to their customers.
Marc Ainslie, who recently announced the acquisition of Blue Peter Garage in Basingstoke to the steadily increasing portfolio, stated “I have worked with lots of equipment suppliers over the years, and I know that I can trust James’ judgement on product recommendation, and depend on his support long after the sale, in the event we need it. We rely on partners like this to ensure we meet the standards we want to achieve as we grow our presence across the country”.
Best Autocentres has been operating since 2003 and take immense price in offering what they consider to be main dealer quality at independent prices and values. The business has since expanded to cover Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, and this expansion looks to show no signs of slowing down.
Giuliano Automotive was founded by James Boon, who has spent his entire working life involved in tyre fitting, balancing and alignment equipment. Giuliano is an Italian manufacturer founded in 1976 and has had a presence in the UK for decades, but decided to partner with James last year to create their own facility in the UK to better serve the market.
“There is a little bit of déjà vu about this”, continued James, “because this is uncannily similar to the scenario in which I had the pleasure of working with Marc all those years ago, and I remember well the success that came from that era. I am thankful to the Best Autocentres team for putting their faith in Giuliano and look forward to being a part of their journey”.
