November/December Issue 59 - Flipbook - Page 13
NEWS
MEMBERS’
Q&A
How did you get involved in
Recovery?
Having established the repair and
maintenance side of the business,
there, we found there was a
demand from local dealers and
other garages for recovery, so we
started offering this service. From
there we were approached by
National Breakdown to join their
network of agents.
What’s your first memory of
vehicle recovery?
Not the first memory but one that
sticks in the mind was when we
received our first weekly payment
from National Breakdown in 1983
for £1300… we thought there had
been a mistake and called them
to check if they had overpaid us!!!
How times have changed!
What’s the best/worst thing
to happen since you started
working in recovery?
The worst things have been the
arson attacks we suffered in
2009 which caused approx. £1m
worth of damage to the premises
and fleet, and the floods in 2015
WITH STONEYWOOD
during which much of our site and
vehicles that we had in storage
were submerged in 6 feet of water.
The best thing has been seeing
business grow and develop
despite the challenges and set
backs.
If you could change one thing
about the recovery industry,
what would it be?
That the demands made and
standards expected of us would
be reflected in what we are paid.
The increases in running costs
have never been matched by
increases in revenue.
What do you wish other people
knew about the recovery
industry?
The dedication required and the
sacrifices made by business’ and
their staff. It is a way of life which
effects the whole family of those
involved.
Tell me about someone who
has influenced you to work in
recovery.
I would have to say Brian Hagan,
MOTORS
who gave us the opportunity to
work for National Breakdown all
those years ago. That really set
the wheels in motion and we have
never looked back.
What do you think will change
about the recovery industry
over the next 5 years?
The emergence of electric
vehicles and the new methods
and techniques that are/will be
needed to work with them safely.
What do you like to do when
you’re not working?
I’m always working! Although I
have recently cut back to only
doing 7 days a week!
If you could go back, what
would you say to your younger
self?
Listen at school and get a proper
job!
What was the first recovery
truck you bought?
We got a Ford A series and a
Marina Van.
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