THE CANDIDATES: GARAGE OF THE YEAR 2011

by Will Rimell

GARAGE OF THE YEAR: sponsored by Euro Car Parts

ABP MOTORSPORTABP MOTORSPORT, Crewe
Last year’s CAT Garage of the Year, ABP, is back in the running. Established in 1964, the performance and tuning specialist owned by Chris Meredith has a heritage in rallying and circuit racing. ABP is a Motor Codes member and a Cheshire Trading Standards Golden Spanner approved garage, scoring the scheme’s first ever 100% in summer 2010.

ANGLOSANGLO CONTINENTAL CARS, Bletchley, Milton Keynes
Julian and Michelle Glover took over Anglos in 1997. They employ four technicians and offer repair, servicing, tuning and motorsport services. Customers who got in touch with CAT were full of praise. “I’ve modeled my own customer service on theirs,” said one. Another said: “I can totally trust them and they always remember my name!”

barrett2BARRETT-LEE, Sudbury, Suffolk
Simon Barrett’s Barrett-Lee has invested heavily in diagnostics and specialises in BMW, Land Rover and Mercedes vehicles. The family-run business is an OFT-approved Bosch Car Service centre and a member of Motor Codes. It was the first garage in Suffolk to gain the prestigious BSI Kitemark for Garages.

claytons2CLAYTONS MOT & SERVICE CENTRE, Leeds
OFT-approved Bosch Car Service Centre Claytons is a family-run business set up in 1982. Boss James Clayton is deeply committed to training and is an ATA Master Technician. With a strong focus on customer service, the website features an ‘Ask James’ service for free, no-strings advice. Bucking the recession, the garage grew by 10% in the first half of 2010.

CCMCOMPLETE CAR MAINTENANCE, Surrey
CCM has been in business since 1992 and operates 7 ramps at 2 branches in Ewhurst and Ifield, near Crawley. Under the leadership of Stuart White, it has invested in high-end diagnostic kit as well as training for its technicians, including Automotive Technician Accreditation. It is a member of the Trading Standards Buy with Confidence scheme.

twotechs2TWO TECHS, Dartford, Kent
Renault specialist Two Techs was founded by best friends Matthew Butler and Terry Brian in 2008 after the Renault UK dealer they worked for closed. Both are qualified Renault Technical Experts and their commitment to giving value for money service has already paid off with a growing customer base and financial performance exceeding expectations.

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  2. I would give my vote to TJ HALL AND SON, THEY HAVE BEEN FANTASTIC WITH MY CARS AND HAVE A CLEAR PRICE STATUTE
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  3. I GIVE MY VOTE TO T.J.HALL. GREAT SERVICE, VERY FRIENDLY. GREAT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY. THEY ARE CAR PEOPLE.
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  5. ABP Motorsport are miles ahead of any other independants i've ever come across. 1st class work, 1st class staff and 1st class customer service - nothing is ever too much trouble for ABP! They deserve to win this award and more!
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  7. T J Hall & Son Ltd is an excellent business. They provide a really personal service, turning out to start a car at home, collecting cars for MOT and services from my workplace saving me time, and being very flexible in taking in jobs at short notice in cases of urgency. They look after the vehicles of many collegues in my firm, and I know all are very appreciative.
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  8. ABP Motorsport get my vote - excellent customer service & communication, extremely helpful. A real, personal service & always willing to go that bit further to help out. And all at reasonable prices. I haven't taken my car anywhere else since I discovered them - for my money they are far & away the best outfit in this area.
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  9. VOTE TG HALL & SON They're the best garage I've ever come across, top quality service and friendliness, plus extremely competitive prices, spread the word!!
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  10. My vote goes to ABP Motorsport. Really helpfull team who do go the extra mile to help you, extremely competetive pricing and all work carried out quickly and professionally. They look after both my cars and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Martin.
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  11. I vote for ABP Motorsport. Its a 140 Mile round trip to get my car serviced and MOT'd and an enjoyable journey home after the work is completed! Need i say more Mark
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  12. We vote for Anglo Continental Cars Milton Keynes. Both my wife and myself have been to other garages before but none comes any closer to Anglos. All the staff are really helpfull, extremely competetive pricing and the work finish is second to none. When we take our cars to Anglos for whatever reason we have our mind at rest. They look after both our cars and we never think of going elsewhere. They go the extra mile and at times even did minor work without charging us. We highly recomend them to all our friends and families. Well and truly deserve best garage of the year. Mario and Maureen.
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  13. I would like my vote to go to Anglo Continental cars of Bletchley Milton Keynes.It is easy to describe this company,friendly,honest,caring and if it is fixed by them then it stays fixed.Well done all of you.
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  14. Good luck ABP Motorsport! In our business' opinion these guys are the real deal offering dealer quality at independent prices. Great staff, great ethics and without doubt one of the very best & wholly trustworthy garages in the UK!
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  15. dear sirs . just one thank to say ABP . are the best in all ways .thanks guys . from colin mullins.
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  16. I give my vote without any doubt to Anglo Continental Cars in Milton Keynes for they great service, friendliness, honesty and professionality. They are brilliant !!!
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