10:22 am, May 9, 2019
MECHANIC Chris Wileman has bought Castle Garage Ashby – the place that trained him 13 years ago – from its previous owners Claire and Martyn Topely.
The business, based on Wood Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, was first established in 1996 to service, repair and carry out MOT inspections for the local area.
Wileman was taken on as an apprentice 10 years later in 2006. In 2012, he was promoted to assistant manager and, in 2014, acquired 10 per cent of the garage.
Wileman was able to secure a £50,000 funding package to complete the buyout.
He now aims to become the first Ashby garage to offer servicing for electric and hybrid vehicles and intends to create two jobs. He also plans to offer free basic car maintenance workshops for the community as well.
Wileman said: ‘The training Martyn gave me has been invaluable in my career and it has always been my dream to take over ownership of the garage.
‘My fiancée, Caitie, has helped me push forward my ownership plans and the funding from NatWest has enabled me to expand the business Martyn established and create new services for our growing customer base.’
MORE: Perrys Motor Sales launches new leasing service
MORE: Cotswold Mini Cheltenham named Retailed of The Year at awards ceremony
MORE: Personalised video ‘among most important skills for future technicians’
