In the first of a two-part interview, Credit Strategy (CS) sat down with John Colinswood (JC) - chief executive of Warranty Solutions Group - to discuss his business’s headline sponsorship of the Car Finance Awards.

Senior Journalist, covering the Credit Strategy and Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency News brands.
Thomas ParkerSenior Journalist, covering the Credit Strategy and Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency News brands.
CS: Could you give us a bit of an overview of how and why WSG was first founded?
JC: WSG was formed in 2021 by our two founding Directors sharing 60+ years of warranty expertise.
Frustrated by the inflexibility and bureaucracy of other providers, they set out to create a unique company that placed the dealer firmly in the driver’s seat and provided vehicle buyers with the premium aftersales experience that was lacking in the industry.
CS: How has the business evolved since it was first founded?
JC: WSG is today the UK’s highest-rated, multi-award-winning and fastest growing provider of automotive warranties and associated products, offering a dynamic suite of solutions to dealers and motorists.
We are the trusted partner to over 2,500 franchised and independent dealerships and multiple major automotive brands, with protection products that deliver premium coverage, unmatched care and unparalleled peace of mind.
WSG has continually invested in IT, marketing, sales, staffing and infrastructure to improve our and our dealers’ businesses, which has enabled us to achieve a remarkable 50% year-on-year growth.
We now have four offices (in Aylesbury, Leeds, Northern Ireland and Guernsey) and over 100 people working for the business - including 71 full time employees - bringing our collective experience to over 1,000 years. We also boast one of the largest product portfolios in the warranty industry and have paid more than £15m in claims to date.
As we move into the next phase of growth, WSG remains steadfast in its mission: empowering dealers, delighting customers and driving results. With ambitious plans, a committed team, and the trust of our partners, we are ready to lead the industry forward.
CS: What are some of the key success stories of the business since it was first founded?
JC:
CS: What sets you apart from your competitors?
JC:
CS: What’s your approach to building and maintaining relationships with your customers?
JC: Honesty, integrity and collaboration are three of the core values that underpin our business, and the main reasons why we have a 97% dealer retention rate.
We thoroughly listen to our dealers and their customers, deliver personalised experiences and act on any feedback that enables us to enhance the customer experience. WSG’s mission is and has always been to be the best warranty provider in the UK and we pride ourselves on our customer-centric culture.
CS: What metrics do you use to measure customer satisfaction?
JC: Every customer receives a welcome call from our Customer Care team when their warranty has been registered to make sure they understand what their warranty does and doesn’t cover, along with the claims process. This initiative has been instrumental in managing consumer expectations and reducing post-sale complaints, enabling us to secure one of the lowest complaints rate in the industry.
We also contact customers for private feedback once they have made a claim, in addition to collecting public reviews at various touchpoints. We’re incredibly proud of our reviews and market them extensively.
CS: You’re involved in a number of awards from across the sector, why have you decided to get involved in the Car Finance Awards?
JC: We are launching partnerships with a number of finance providers and brokers this year. The finance sector is a new and exciting market for us with tremendous opportunities for growth, so getting involved was a natural decision. We are very excited to be part of them!
CS: Alongside your headline sponsorship of the awards, you’re also sponsoring three awards categories – Best Broker, Best Service for Dealers, and Customer Service Excellence. Why did these categories appeal to you?
JC: These categories are crucial for the finance sector as they recognise and reward excellence, innovation and best practices across three of the main areas.
CS: You’re also joining our Judging Panel, what are you most looking forward to about this?
JC: I’m really looking forward to seeing the latest innovations and best practice ideas in the finance industry. And helping to shape the direction and standards.
CS: Finally, if they haven’t done so already, why should readers book a table at the Car Finance Awards?
JC: Very simply, everyone who is anyone in the finance industry will or should be there. By celebrating industry achievements, these awards help set higher standards, encourage innovation and promote continuous improvement across the sector.
It’s also a unique opportunity for dealers, lenders and brokers to promote their brand – not to mention the extensive networking opportunities!
Click here to book your tables at this year’s Car Finance Awards, headline sponsored by Warranty Solutions Group.
Get the latest industry news