SHAUN Smith of S. Smith Vehicle Repairs offers a local, affordable and reliable service to customers across central Scotland.

The Vehicle Repair Company started up in July operating from the Greenfield Complex and Shaun has found that support from family and Business Gateway have resulted in the perfect business blend.

From the age of 14, Shaun began learning all there is to know about vehicle repairs from friends and family. At just 16, Shaun received training on his first job at Subaru in Stirling. Shaun later went on to work for Iain Grieve Vauxhall garage in Stirling, gaining 10 years’ experience to progress to Workshop Controller, working between the Stirling and Alloa branches.

He then worked at the Glassworks as a supervisor in the maintenance department, but returned to his main passion, the motor trade, working at Subaru Falkirk before finally taking the plunge to set up his own vehicle repair business.

Shaun: “My wife and I have talked about starting a business seven or eight years ago but never did and then came our two boys – Harrison and Maxwell – and there was never going to be a better time.

I had the experience necessary and support from my wife Kari who works shifts which allows us better flexibility for arranging child care. Kari keeps me right with promoting the business and has attended a lot of meetings with our Business Gateway Advisor Michelle Carr.” Kari added, “Michelle was a fantastic help and provided us with valuable advice on setting up and the different aspects we needed to think about.

“Even though Shaun has a wealth of experience in the motor industry, it was important to be advised on other aspects of the business, allowing us to have the best possible start in setting up. I think the mixture of having an advisor such as Michelle to point us in the right direction as well as being a family who support one another has allowed us to get to this point.” Michelle said: “I met with Kari on various occasions to help provide advice on setting up their business. The support that Kari and Shaun have for one another has allowed flexibility with time and commitments which can be difficult for businesses starting out. The business is doing well so far and they will continue to receive advice and support from Business Gateway for as long as they require.” The husband and wife team work together to make the vehicle repair business a real success. With main dealer experience and the latest diagnostics equipment, Shaun has already developed a loyal customer base by providing a high quality yet affordable service.

Now able to take card payments, all types of vehicle repairs are welcome. Call now on 01259 928789/07968742080 or email shaunsmith67@hotmail.co.uk.

Ceteris deliver the Business Gateway service in Clackmannanshire and can help you with starting up and growing your business. For business support please contact our local office on 01259 726430 to arrange an appointment.