Firm looking to polish up

Apr 16 2010

A SHIRLEY car valeting company is celebrating its tenth birthday in style after being shortlisted for a top business award.

Autocare of Solihull marks its tenth year in business this month and has been chosen as a finalist in the Federation of Small Businesses Small Business Awards 2010.

It has been nominated in the ‘Service Excellence’ category and the awards will be judged at Warwick Castle on May 14.

Based in Shirley and operated by Brian Reed, a self confessed car fanatic, the company has gone from strength to strength.

Brian started the firm after realising there was a gap in the market for a top quality car valeting service and offers a completely mobile operation visiting clients at home or work.

He said: “ I realised customers were looking for a professional, quality service.

“I approached Business Link who gave me lots of help with getting a business plan together and book keeping advice. They are great for advice and I still use them for training courses.”

Brian says that although times are tough he has been kept going by his customer base.

He feels going that extra mile for the customer and tailoring his service to their needs has helped his business grow, as well as protecting it during difficult times.

He said: “My customers have stuck with me and helped keep me going. A loyal customer base is a lifeline.”

Prior to setting up Autocare Brian worked for Thomas Cook and Europcar and it was in the car rental business he realised the importance of valeting.

Key to his ongoing success is ensuring every car is finished to showroom standards.

Brian also specialises in detailing vehicles, removing swirl marks and machine polishing which can take anything up to 10 hours to complete.

To find out more about Autocare visit www.autocarecarvaleting.co.uk or call Brian on 07977 499474.