In 1964 Kevin Shortis opened his first motorist's discount store in Norwich. 60 years later, the Group is still family-owned and family-run, with unrivalled experience in automotive parts supply and fitting centres.
The Group operates several companies across the UK from North Yorkshire to the Thames, from retail shops and fitting bays to trade distribution and property interests.
1964
In March 1964, Kevin Shortis opened up his first K.J.Shortis store on Barn Road in Norwich.
1969
The Group's Head Office opened on Salhouse Road in Norwich, where it remains today.
1977
The first Fast-Fit branches opened, focusing on tyres and exhausts.
1978
Kevin Shortis opened the first Wilco Motorist Discount Store. At the time, Kevin was learning to fly and decided to name his first shop 'Wilco' - short for 'will comply'.
1980
The Group acquired exhaust distributor Exhausts Unlimited, which became motor factor EU Ltd.
1981
The Group began to invest in IT and had its first computers installed at EU.
2000
The Group acquired Linco Plc with six branches being rebranded as motor factor EU Linco.
2004
24 stores across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire were bought from Motosave.
2012
New sites added including Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Swinton taking the Group's total number of branches to over 80.
2014
The Shortis Group celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2017
Opened new Motosave branch in Rochdale.
2018
Cage A cycles and accessories store opened in Scunthorpe.
2020
Gorleston branch of Fast-Fit opened (formerly Gorleston Exhausts & Tyre Centre).
2021
Lourimar Ltd trading as Motorspares joins the Shortis Group, with retail branches in Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket & Sudbury.
2022
The Group acquired PPK Factors Ltd in Bury St Edmunds, which was rebranded EU.
2023
Cromer branch of EU opened its doors at Stonehill Way, Holt Road.
Opened new branch of Wilco Motor Spares in Rushden (formerly TM Autoparts).
The Group acquired Eastern Auto Spares at Queen's Way in Ipswich.
With a turnover of over £55m, the Group employs over 600 staff, and owns and operates over 180 vehicles across 87 locations, the majority of which are wholly owned by the Group.
Spares and accessories sales with fitting centres at 27 branches throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (including Cage A cycle store trading as Motosave Ltd.) Offers full garage services including the latest diagnostic equipment, the supply and fitting of tyres, TPMS Specialist, exhausts, batteries and aircon re-gas.
We are actively searching for new trading sites both within the area covered by our existing network and also further afield. The Shortis Group is a private company with a strong capital base, and as such can make quick decisions on suitable properties. Properties in East Anglia, East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire are of particular interest.
We work with our suppliers to provide quality items at the best value for our customers.
We deal with most major suppliers within our industry to ensure our comprehensive range offers the right product at a price that's right for our customers. Our suppliers need to be able to work closely with our buying, warehouse, and distribution team to ensure the supply process is as efficient as possible.
We are happy to consider one-off, clearance or end-of-line items. We have experience in handling these types of products and can offer expedient decisions for suppliers looking for a quick and painless transaction. Our warehouses are capable of handling surplus stock deals of most quantities. Items are sold through our branch network only.
We are always looking for prospective new suppliers and products in our industry.