Sportsitalia…the end

[conaero]

I have some very sad news regarding SportsItalia and appreciate that many of you already knew and out of respect have not posted it on here and I thank you all for that.

The landlord, out of the blue, actioned our 2 month license which ultimately has forced us to close, permanently. There was never any issue with money and we fought the landlord, offering 50% more pa and a whole year of rent up front.

Alas he did not accept and we probably fell victim to the hatred for the motor trade. We had not upset him and regularly consulted with him as to any issues we might be causing. A slight moan about the amount of cars on site but were assured it was not an issue.

The knife wound for me is still open and bleeding but they say time is a great healer.

We will be back but probably not this year.

Customers have been in tears upon collection, seeing all the equipment being torn down.

We thank you for all your support over an amazing 5 years and the feedback has been that we did it right.

 

[Zep]

A brutal way for a great independent to go, You did do it right. I hope for all of us, it’s just the start of a new beginning.

 

[gb-gta]

The same thing happened to a good local garage to me recently that had been there for many years.
I hope you and your staff get sorted soon and hopefully return again in the future.

 

[conaero]

Staff! Been an employer for over 30 years and never had to give out a P45. Today I had to sack them all. That’s a sh!tty feeling I can tell you.

 

[Erlingtheyounger]

Staff! Been an employer for over 30 years and never had to give out a P45. Today I had to sack them all. That’s a sh!tty feeling I can tell you.

I’m yet to have the pleasure of making your acquaintance but you’ve worked on the QPV I now own and had hoped to use you moving forward.

My extreme condolences for what has happened. It appears you had a thriving business based on good people doing excellent work in an honest and effective way. I really hope you can find a solution to your premises issue. If you’d been in my part of the world (Gloucestershire/Cotwolds) I’d have happily assisted in finding a suitable premises but not a part of the world I know.

Keep your chin up and try and stay positive. Cream always rises and there’s a reason you guys are the go to Maserati people.

 

[montravia]

That's sent a cold shudder, a tightening of the muscles around my aorta, clenched gluteus maximus.
What the £uck am I going to do now?

 

[hashluck]

This is really sad news, sorry to hear it Matt. I know of 3 garages in my area that have closed as they could not renew their leases. As you say, landlords don't want the motor trade, especially if they have a queue of other potential tenants. I look forward to hearing more positive news later in the year as you were the go-to place without a doubt.

 

[dgmx5]

Very sorry to hear that for both you personally but also your colleagues.

I hope you are able to return at the earliest opportunity.

 

[philw696]

That's a very sad state of affairs Matt and I can't believe you've had to experience this totally shocked reading this.
I hope you can find the right location for your business and your customers.
Wishing you all the Best of Luck.

 

[dem maser]

What sad news. Sorry to read that.
I have known you for 20 years and knowing what i know, i have no doubt you will be back soon and stronger than ever.

 

[CatmanV2]

Bloody ****, Matt. That's a shocker. Hope you come back bigger and better!


C

 

[2b1ask1]

Totally stunned by this news; that is just savage. I too hope the right place can be found quickly.

 

[Scaf]

Matt and the team
So shocked to read this and so sorry for you all and the Maserati community.
Like others I have seen your business grow from nothing providing a much needed and valued service.
I wish you all the very best for the future, whatever that may bring.

 

[Alex C]

I’m new here but having done my research you have a fantastic reputation and this is sad and surprising news. Really wish you the best in rising from the ashes as knowledge, experience and service like you and your team had is very hard to replace. All the best.

 

[dickygrace]

Sorry to read this Matt, hope you’re able to find new premises asap.

 

[Scaf]

We have lost two “old school” garages recently - both sites have been cleared for development.

 

[Phil H]

That's a real bummer as the UK needs Maserati indies. Good luck with whatever you decide Matt.

 

[Team GCR]

So sorry to hear things haven't worked out, gutted for you. Thank you for all your help.

 

[Ewan]

That is very sad news. Mainly, clearly, for you, Ash and the staff, but also for the wider Maserati community who you all served so well.

Congratulate yourself on what was achieved, then plan for the future. Surely it’ll not be the end of the story - just a progression from one chapter to the next.

If you fancy a move across to Dorset, I can arrange space on my industrial estate. There is space available now, at rates less than at Fair Oak, I’d imagine.

It would be jolly handy for me to have a Maserati team in a neighbouring unit to my own office!

 

[safrane]

Matt et al, of Sports Italia.

Very saddened to read of this for both you and your staff. I'm shocked at outcome and had no idea this was a 'issue'

The impact on your lives must be huge, as it will be across the Maserati community. With David's passing last year and your closure (hopefully temporary) the Maserati community is feeling the loss.

No doubt this will make taking care of our cars a greater challenge and no doubt higher costs.

I wish I could do something to assist, but alas I'm located too far away to offer any alternative base her near Bristol.

Best of luck, and I will be in queue when you re-open, hopefully very soon.