So, as a guy who has owned three of these fabulous little cars in the past, then this development excites me! As a garage owner who has spent the past forty odd years repairing and servicing conventional cars and vans. Then I am not a fan of Electrical car developments (EV’s). Because I think that the EV’s are going to be a threat to our very existence.
However, I must admit that the this little red classic mini looks great. So, and will be an eye opener to millions of older people who were previous owners. Also the very thought of the power that this electric conversion will have gives my skin the bumps. However , it is still a rich mans toy and beyond the means of most people. Including myself!
Although I might add that these people are selling an electrification kit, complete with a battery pack. This will inevitably bring down the price for the experienced DIY mechanics amongst us.
A complete electrification kit which will turn any classic Mini into an electric vehicle has been made available for enthusiasts, specialists and EV conversion businesses. Created in response to growing customer demand to electrify classic cars
While it’s not uncommon for an automobile to have outstanding financing. So, we suggest that you only purchase a car once the outstanding finance is cleared.
It would help if you recognized a vehicle’s Car Finance Check before purchasing. If you don’t know how to check the finance of the car! Please visit the link. In the case when a vehicle is having outstanding finance. Including, the individual in charge of the debt defaults on their financing. After you’ve acquired the vehicle, the finance provider can look to repossess it from you. Although you cannot acquire the loan of the borrower. hence, you would run the risk of going to the failure of the money spent on the car.
Dealers will typically not offer automobiles without they check if a vehicle are financed. Yet this cannot be guaranteed in all situations. Consequently, whether you are purchasing from a personal vendor or a dealership. Thus, it is essential to inspect a vehicle’s Car Finance Check status.
If you find that while verifying if this car is on financethat the vehicle is still based on a financing contract, we advise that the seller works out the finance completely before you consent to buy the vehicle. Sometimes the seller may try to offer the vehicle to pay the outstanding financing. Yet, it is essential to note here that until the debt is resolved, the ownership of the automobile stays with the financing supplier as well as is not moved to you. Unless you understand as well as rely on the seller, it’s a high-risk procedure to accept to buy a car with finance outstanding.
What is outstanding money?
Outstanding money takes place when the previous proprietor still has money for paying on the vehicle but markets it out. In doing so, they fraudulently are offering the vehicle to another person and not declaring it on any documents or communications. If you are thinking about can you check if a car is on Car Finance Check, don’t fret; you definitely can visit the given link.
How to inform if there is outstanding money on an automobile?
Before you buy a used vehicle, you ought to carry out a finance check, which will inform you if any cash is owed on the vehicle, as well as if it has ever been associated with a crash or if it’s stolen.
If you’re buying from a dealership, you can ask them that can you check if a car is on finance. The Car History Inspect checks the history of a vehicle as well as is hence a reliable way to prevent purchasing an auto with outstanding financing.
What to do if there is outstanding financing on a car?
Before buying an automobile:
So, if you uncover outstanding money as well as you have not yet purchased the automobile. Of course, you must consult the provided finance firm to comprehend whether the account has been resolved or if payments are due. Naturally, if money is still owed, you must ask the owner to fix the account before continuing with the sale. If you don’t know how to Car Finance Check, you can visit the link.
After acquiring a car:
If you find out while checking is this car on finance that there is outstanding financing owed after acquiring the car, it will be more difficult to verify you have a lawful right to possessing the car. You will have to persuade the money business you are an innocent customer, which can be difficult. If unsuccessful, they can reclaim the vehicle.
Getting a check that is this car on finance is quick to do online with the Car Analytics Automobile History Check will provide a couple of details regarding the vehicle you intend to buy.
I’ve purchased an auto with outstanding financing; what should I know?
What does outstand money suggest?
While doing a Car Finance Check, you find if a pre-owned car has outstanding financing, it means that the finance company still owns the vehicle. The buyer has a hire purchase agreement in place that has not yet finished.
What is a Hire Purchase Agreement?
A Hire Purchase Arrangement allows the vehicle owner to pay either nothing or a fairly lower down payment to buy the car. After that, they will continue to pay the money as a fixed fee on a regular monthly basis until the hire purchase arrangement finishes.
When this occurs, the vehicle driver usually gets the option to trade the vehicle and start a new hire acquisition contract or purchase the present auto outright.
Why do I need to understand about Hire Purchase Agreements?
Until the hire purchase agreement expires, the motorist is properly selling out the auto. They have not bought it; the money business possesses it, which implies that the buyer has no authority to market it. If you are as lucky as to acquire a car in this circumstance, you do not own the vehicle you’ve spent for, even if you are provided documentation seemingly verifying that you do.
It will not take too much time before the financing business is notified as well as they act to impound the automobile or need that you pay off the outstanding money to stop them impounding it.
Is there outstanding financing on my auto?
If you’re uncertain, it’s better to know immediately. Inspecting if a car has outstanding financing is easy. Even if you have currently purchased the vehicle, as well as you’re concerned your vehicle has outstanding money on it, it remains in your interest to run a quick check.
If the car does have outstanding financing on it, it’s better to learn the terms than with a knock on the door from the cops. After being notified your auto has outstanding Car Finance Check, you ought to contact an experienced lawyer right away.
So, before buying a car, please check for outstanding finance on the vehicle.
Can you check if a car is financed?
On occasion, there are online platforms or businesses that provide paid services to check the monetary background of a vehicle. These services make use of database and data from multiple sources to provide you with the necessary data. When looking for these services, make sure they are trustworthy and reliable.
How do I check my car finance balance?
If you already have a membership account with the lender, you can go online and easily view the current balance of your car finance. Having an online account allows you the comfort of being able to check on the amount you owe, the option of making payments, and other pertinent details.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-owner.jpg435273Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-12 19:40:132023-05-14 10:59:19Car Finance Check-Should you buy a car with outstanding finance?
The rise of electric cars has been a long time coming. Initially started in big way by Tesla in the States. Now spreading to most car manufacturers across the world. The cost of batteries, charging infrastructure, and the emissions they produce have all been declining over time.
A recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows that electric cars are now cheaper than petrol or diesel cars in 41% of the USA. A recent study by the London School of Economics also suggests that electric cars will account for more than two-thirds of new car sales by 2030, The UK, s target for banning the sale of fossil fuel cars.
However, the rise of electric cars comes with its own set of risks.
The cost of electricity is something that is constantly on the minds of electric car enthusiasts. Although in my opinion these vehicles are a new domain for the rich drivers in our towns and cities. Primarily, they are still expensive and unaffordable for the general public to buy.
For some people, it is the only reason they would consider purchasing an electric car. The cost of electricity is a major consideration for many people, but what about hydrogen cars? Hydrogen cars are powered by electricity and hydrogen.
Including a new type of engine coming out of Australia. This is a diesel engine that adds hydrogen to the fuel mixture. This engine is carbon neutral and ticks all the boxes for the everyday motorists who just want affordable cars without any fuss.
Thanks to the UK, s constant advertising campaigns.
Then the Electric cars have been one of the most popular vehicles on the market for the past several years. They are seen as environmentally friendly. However, electric car prices may soon start to rise, putting them at a disadvantage against their hydrogen and traditional gasoline-powered counterparts.
Electric cars have been around since the early 1900s. Firstly using the old lead acid batteries. With the addition of other battery technology such as Lithium, and Tesla they have been slowly gaining in popularity over the recent years.
With fuel prices constantly on the rise, many people are looking for alternative ways to run their vehicles. While electric cars have their disadvantages, such as the high price of electricity. In my opinion they could still be a successful option in the future. If the price of electricity continues to rise, many people will be turned off electric cars.
Therefore, Electric cars are in a race against time.
If the price of electricity continues to rise, electric cars will become too expensive to operate, and they may even be killed off. Right now, the price of electricity has doubled here in the UK. Of course the future looks grimmer still.
Unless the war in Russia ends prices of our fuel will rise even more. Until we can increase our own energy production it is expected to increase substantially, over time. This could kill off the electric car industry as we know it! Because electric cars require a lot of electricity to operate, combined with the high price and availability of “Cobalt” for the manufacture of Lithium Batteries.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/electric-car-charging.jpg421632Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-11 19:39:112023-05-11 19:39:11Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?
A lot of businesses need to secure transportation in some form. The company vehicle of choice tends to be a van, simply because they are bigger and can obviously fit a lot more in them. Choosing to invest in a company van is a big deal; it will quickly become invaluable to the business.
It is also often a pretty sizable investment which is why you need to ensure that you have made the right choice. This is why we have put together the following whistle-stop tour through purchasing a new work van. So, let’s get into it.
Buying New vs Second-hand
One of the first things that you will need to consider when it comes to purchasing a work van is whether to buy a new van or to go for a second hand model. You need to come up with a budget to give you an idea of exactly how much you have to spend on your new vehicle.
Some businesses will not be able to afford to buy a van outright, regardless of whether it is new or second-hand. There are also other costs to consider, like insurance, fuel and taxing the vehicle too. Luckily, there are sites out there that can offer you advice and recommendations on low-cost ford transit custom vans.
The Vans Usage
The next thing to consider when looking for a work vehicle is the demands on its usage. Think about your business; what will the van be used for in terms of traveling and transporting goods? Do you need to be able to accommodate passengers on the journeys?
There are a lot of commercial applications for vans, and the specificities of your business will help to inform the type of van that you need. It would also be beneficial to consider the distance that needs to be covered as well as the type of terrain encountered. Lastly, think about the weight that your van needs to hold. Overloading the vehicle is dangerous, so be sure to read the small print.
Making Modifications
If you have to make a compromise when purchasing your work vehicle, you can make modifications if you need to. Stripping the van and rebuilding the interior to make it fit for purpose is still often cheaper than purchasing a new van. You can fit cages, modify the doors and seating arrangements, and fit locks and shelving as needed. If you are going to be housing expensive equipment in the van overnight, you might also want to fortify the safety features too.
Insurance
If you run a small business or if this is your first work vehicle, then you need to be aware of your legal obligations in terms of insuring it. Obviously, all vehicles legally need insurance in order to drive them in the UK.
Securing transportation for your business can really help you when it comes to fulfilling your business’s objectives and helping it to grow. There are a number of factors which will affect the type of transportation that you need. Including the specifics of the business and your budget, too, so be sure to keep those in mind. Sometimes it will be necessary to make compromises, although you can still modify the van to suit your needs, so that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for you.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-owner.jpg435273Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-08 07:39:222023-05-08 07:39:22Company Vehicles-Choosing a Work Van
Buying the perfect gift is a great way to show someone you care. A gift should show how well you know someone and what they like, dislike and need. For a mechanic, there are plenty of excellent, thoughtful and useful options you could buy that could help make their lives easier or simply bring them joy.
Think carefully about what you choose to buy for the mechanic in your life. Consider what will be useful for their professional lives. It may be that you want to get them something they can use for their own car, too. Any tool, equipment or PPE should be of the highest quality and professional standards to ensure their safety.
Tough Mobile Phone Case
Working around cars or in garages can be a significant safety hazard for phones, with hard surfaces and hazardous materials all around. A great gift option for mechanics is a rugged phone case that will ensure their phones are protected while they work. There are plenty of options available, including shock absorbent, waterproof cases and ultra-tough screen protectors.
Steel-Toed Boots
The Mechanic In Your Life
Working around vehicles and in busy garages can present many hazards for a mechanic’s feet, meaning they need proper, quality protective footwear. Many mechanics choose steel-toed boots for their workplace footwear, so if your giftee has boots that look a little worse for wear, you could consider investing in a brand-new pair. Do your homework to find a suitable pair, ensuring they’re well made with quality materials and will last.
Quality Working Gloves
Mechanics have to work outdoors in all weather. Of course using their hands for often intricate and delicate work. Working gloves are crucial for protecting their hands. So ensuring they can work comfortably throughout the day, no matter the weather. Many mechanics use one pair of gloves for warmer weather and one for colder. So getting them a new set of gloves can be an excellent gift idea.
Personalised Number Plates
For The Mechanic In Your Life consider their own vehicles to be their pride and joy. They may put work into their vehicle to make it give the very best in performance. Whilst regularly wash and detail it to ensure it looks its very best. A personalised number plate can be the perfect finishing touch to make a car look and feel unique. Consider what kind of private number plate your mechanic might enjoy and look for quality options from reputable specialists like Regtransfers.
Massage Sessions
Mechanics spend most of their days on their feet or knees, bending over cars and carrying out heavy work. All of this can take a toll on their bodies, leaving them with aches and pains at the end of the day. If left untreated, these aches and pains can lead to more serious issues down the road, so giving the gift of massage can be an ideal option. Consider finding a local physio massage therapist for the The Mechanic In Your Lifewho specialises in those who work manual jobs and buy a set of sessions for your gifted.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Many mechanics work around loud noises all day long, meaning they need to take steps to protect their hearing. Noise-cancelling headphones can be ideal for this purpose, allowing The Mechanic In Your Life to listen to their favourite music while blocking out the loud and dangerous sounds around them. There are many options available online. So be sure to research some quality options to suit your gifted.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/workshop-537x318-1.jpg318537Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-04-12 19:39:432023-04-14 14:41:52The Mechanic In Your Life- How To Select The Perfect Gift For
Anyone who has ever launched their own automotive business will tell you that it very rarely feels like the perfect time to do it. No matter how carefully you prepare or how long you wait, there are always going to be some challenges that you did not expect. There will always be a lot of competition, and it will never feel like you have enough time or enough money to execute your launch exactly the way you want to.
However, it is fair to say that now is a more challenging time than most. While there are always going to be hurdles when you are launching your own company, the number of difficulties that businesses are facing right now, from energy costs to supply shortages, makes it even more vital that you are prepared for what is to come. Here are some of the most important things that you need to remember if you are launching a new garage business in the months ahead.
Market Research Never Stops
You will no doubt have done extensive market research. Excitingly, when you were first putting together your business proposal. You will have shown potential investors that you were well aware of the competition out there . Including and how you could create a niche for yourself.
However, this is not something that you can cross off your list permanently. With circumstances changing so quickly all the time, businesses will be pivoting sharply to find new solutions and new ideas. You need to be watching them carefully. So, to make sure that you don’t find yourself squeezed out of your corner of the market.
Budgeting Is Crucial
Most people who launch their own company have a pretty good head for numbers. You will have needed to do a lot of budgeting already to make sure that you have the financing that you need to launch. However, as the latest massive increase in energy costs has shown, the numbers are changing very quickly, and they are not heading in a good direction.
You need to start working on a cushion to carry your company through any tough patches. You should also brainstorm worst-case scenarios to see how feasible your solutions would be. It will be worth talking to an accountant about this. Of course, as the cost of having expert financial advice could be minimal compared to the alternative.
Your Digital Skills Need To Be Sharp
A lot has been made of the pivot to digital. But the way we do business has definitely changed a huge amount over the last couple of years. If you know that your digital skills could do with some brushing up. Then it is worth taking the time to work on this now. The good news is that there are plenty of software suites out there. Of course which have easy-to-follow tutorials.
For example, knowing how to convert files from PDF to Word using Adobe Acrobat Hence ,is the kind of thing that can save you a lot of time. If you have a contract that needs signing urgently. Consequently, you do not want to be rushing around trying to figure out how to do it. Take the time now to make a list of digital skills . Of course you might need and save yourself a lot of time and stress.
Make Sure You’re Covered With Insurance And Legal Advice
The last couple of years has shown us all how important good insurance can be for business owners. With the difficult months on the horizon, the last thing you want is to be left out of pocket following an injury, illness, or accident. Even being out of action for a couple of weeks is the kind of thing that could make life extremely tough. Look for good business insurance that can cover you in case something happens.
It should also give you some coverage in case of a client disagreement. If you have any doubts about your legal rights in that scenario, remember that it is always worth talking to a solicitor. Trying to represent yourself might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it is always better to use the expertise and experience of a professional.
Essential Areas Every New Business Owner Needs- Cybersecurity Is Still A Priority
It may have been lost in the news cycle recently, but cybercrime is still a serious issue both in the United Kingdom and overseas. With so many different responsibilities to juggle when launching a new company, cybersecurity is something that could be easy to overlook. But with experts predicting that this criminal activity is not going to go anywhere any time in the near future, you need to think about what measures you can take.
Your customers and clients will want to know that their money and personal information will be safe with you. Talk to a cybersecurity specialist about where your business could have weak security spots and pay for good software. It is always worth investing in quality security rather than running the risk of losing everything.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-owner.jpg435273Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-03-27 19:41:012023-03-27 19:41:01Essential Areas Every New Business Owner Needs To Focus On This Autumn
This is in reply to your Tweet, “Why Your Employees May be Looking to Quit”.
I am going to try and answer this complex question! As the owner of a small garage in the county of West Yorkshire UK then there are many factors. Long term then it all boils down to how you or your management treat people, (your staff of course).
In my opinion then this is why small/medium garages have always come out in the best health when times get tuff. I have now been running my garage for almost fifty years. Many of my staff are long term employees.
These good people are diamonds and should be looked after all along the way. Millions of small and medium garage and autocentre owners will know exactly what I mean.
We all hear horror stories about how the national garage chains treat there staff. Forcing them to work extra hours and always having to sell addons when they are not required.
Customers are not stupid
I always ake sure that my staff are looked after so they too can have a good living out of the business. Some owners prefer to do this illegally . However I prefer to use various bonus schemes. I must emphasise that these bonus schemes are not tied down to any targets in any way.
All my married staff have settled down into nice homes and have a good standard of living. This is how it should be. The only thing that I ask is that they are polite and helpful to the customers. All my staff are taught to be multi taskers.
Not only do they do the job of repairing cars but they can also take the customers through the whole procedure of paying for the work done and issuing sales invoices and dealing with credit card payments.
I find that this gives the staff and the customers a better shopping experience due to the personel contact. Another thing I ask for is that my staff should have total access to our computer system and also can answer any phones from incoming calls.
We do have receptionists and deopt managers. However should they be busy or on another call then any member of staff can take the call and have the power to deal with the customer if thet can. Customers are not stupid they can see that my gargae is a well run and happy operation.
We are not perfect and sometimes we do get a bad apple. However they are sussed out early and it is usually through my staff.
I could go on for ages but to bring things up to 2022 where we are now, then we do have staffing problems going forward !
At the moment because people are keeping their cars longer we are packed out. We are also an MOT testing station and are booked up for three weeks at the moment. I am struggling to find at least two new members of staff.
It looks like younger people do not want to get their hands dirty anymore. My only hope for the State of the Auto repair Industry, is for some return to the apprentice schemes we had in days gone by.
Once you get them then you must work hard to keep them ?
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/breakdown.jpg500760Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-03-23 18:39:432023-03-23 18:39:43State of the Auto repair Industry in my Part of the World
Your in a fortunate position if your considering the purchase of a high-end sports car like a Porsche. Its only right that you make the most of that opportunity. Of course, these purchases can also be sizeable investments too. Today, some people buy cars quickly and conveniently online, but its worth taking extra precautions when buying a high-end sports car. Its important to spend your money wisely and to ensure that you buy something that aligns with your lifestyle. So, what types of things should you think about here? Here are some things to remember when searching for the perfect Porsche.
Know Yourself
You might be a fan of Porsche, but not every make and model will be compatible with your needs. Some serious self-reflection is required here. Before you commence all of your research, reassess what type of Porsche it is that you really want. Questions to ask yourself include:
What will you use the Porsche for? Pleasure-filled longer drives or the primary car of your daily routine? Do you dream of a modern or vintage Porsche? These vehicles have a long and storied history, and your decision will affect what features you can expect and the associated costs.
Is your budget satisfactory? The price range of Porsche vehicles can fluctuate wildly, and they dont appreciate as rapidly as other vehicles. These questions might not seem new to you when buying a car. Still, more specificity can be needed when looking for a Porsche. If you dig deeper, you’ll be more certain.
Research Competitive Takes
Everybody has different opinions about which Porsche model is the best. While you shouldn’t always be concerned with the verdicts of others, detailed explanations from experts can provide some useful insights. One breakdown of the Porsche GT3 vs GT4 makes comparisons through a storytelling perspective, creating a more engaging read. That way, you can become more invested in the analysis and more vividly picture the capabilities of both cars. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the vehicles being driven in different contexts.
Choosing a Porsche is supposed to be fun and exciting, too, and copy like this will certainly facilitate those feelings for you. Porsche is a famous sports car brand, and many people have a lot to say about iterations, old and new. Even if you dont agree with the verdicts given, if you do enough reading, you’ll soon be able to trace a consensus and feel more confident about the Porsche you’re looking for. Even the opinions you disagree with can be useful, as you can note them down as anomalies once your suitably informed and know that you should contentedly ignore them.
Learn Brand Jargon
Different car manufacturers and dealers use unique terminology when describing their vehicles. Not only does this create an air of luxury, but it can also bolster brand recognition. Porsche is a perfect example of these efforts. For instance, the term ; refers to a retro Porsche chassis style that is part coupe and part convertible.
There’s also the word Tiptronic;, which means the sports car has an auto transmission mechanism with shifting modes that can be controlled manually. Meanwhile, the beginning of negotiations is often referred to as the Base MSRP;. Try to embrace the terminology, as while you might not need it in daily life with the sports car; it may help you make a better purchase.
Using it may help you get more immersed in the buying process and feel more knowledgeable about the brand you’re engaging with. You may not use the words in daily life when owning a high-end sports car, but the language can reveal much about the vehicles character
Assess Engine Noise
The engine noise of a Porsche can appeal to many. Its a sign that the cars insides are just as glorious as the chassis; aesthetics, proof of quality engineering. Obviously, one shouldn’t rev the engine of a sports car to the point of annoying others, but it can be an indicator that the vehicle has substance. That said, each sports car will sound different, and you may wish to pay attention to the nuances of each rev so that you dont buy anything that’s sure to grate on your ears in time.
So, lets look at Porsche again.
There is a signature sound from the engine, but it can alter slightly depending on the type that’s been installed. It’s usually the air-cooled variety of engines that have that guttural sound many Porsche fans listen out for, and typically, these engines would have been made before 1998. So, anything after that, or a Porsche with a water-cooled engine, likely won’t yield the same results. Consequently, if you’re yearning for that specific engine sound, you’ll need to narrow your search. There are different nuances behind all the engines a Porsche can feature, and researching their history and the care they require will help you make progress. You can also build on your enthusiasm as a fan, as you’ll have a more detailed understanding of how these vehicles are masterfully made.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/porsche-race-car-2-.jpg375617Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-02-15 06:49:562023-02-15 07:42:35Searching For The Perfect Porsche-Things To Remember
As the owner of an MOT station then I must sympathise with the huge multi nation companies that are involved with MOT testing. Thus, MOT testing is a very important and trustworthy job to have. So, you are not just working for your particular company but are doing this in conjunction with the UK Government. Consequently, a very responsible position to hold.
In my business in Halifax UK, we have two testers. Both these guys hold very high positions in my business. Indeed they are the key to a successful garage business. As a garage owner we are held fully responsible and regularly checked by the VOSA MOT standards agency. If I had hundreds of MOT testers working for me then I would not sleep at night.
Total trust essential.
Multinational companies such as the company in the attached article must have a difficult job selecting the correct candidates to be an MOT tester. If they get it wrong then heads will certainly roll. So, as I have said as the business owner I am held totally responsible for any wrong doing or Illegal practises by my MOT testers.
Importantly testers are operating under fair but strict rules. Therefore I find it impossible to get my head round the way that these important members of our staff are selected and also kept under control of these strict government guide lines. So, this is probably why that every so often we read stories like this. Members of staff that just cant work within the rules. Consequently this tester from Taunton was caught and prosecuted whilst working for Halfords. I can only hope that these massive companies treat and pay their testers with the greatest of respect, as I do. Otherwise it will surely be big trouble for them!
A Taunton-based MOT tester has admitted issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the required checks. Anton Keith Fricker pleaded guilty to 31 counts when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Courts on July 13 following a
I was completely drained by the end of this horrific scam attempt. Some days I think that I am getting too old for this sort of thing, and this would be one of those days. So, it’s now the day after, and I am composed enough to write this blog post. So, to warn other garage owners and businesses about our own lucky escape. It started after lunch with a phone call from my Halifax Autocentre manager, Debby.
Deb was a little shocked at the phone call that she had just received. Just like any rational person would! was panicking about the situation. So, the caller stated that he was from a company of bailiffs and was about to send his staff in to recover goods to the value of an outstanding debt. just over £3000! He left Deb’s name and number to call for more information. I proceeded to call the number immediately. I was told that it was for a debt dating back to 2017 from a company handling Google AdWords. At this stage, I won’t mention any names! But we will be pleased to help others in the event of an attempt to a similar fraud against them.
Website looked genuine.
Somehow the scammers had the name of my wife, which was used as their original contact with the Google AdWords company. My wife is a very clever lady and insisted that no such deal had been struck under any circumstances. I’ll admit that I was genuinely flapping at this point and didn’t know where to turn.
However, I made another phone call to the scammer, who claimed to be from the bailiffs. So, this time the guy was very polite and offered me a way out of the problem. Eventually, he gave me the phone number and case number of a guy professing to be a member of the Northampton County Court Bailiffs staff.
The guy was very helpful and also sounded genuine. However, things did not seem to stack up. My wife and Deb began a little digging, and they were now suspicious about the information we had been given. The court person was very polite and said that to stop the bailiffs from entering the garage premises, we could pay the court £2330, and this would then go to a local tribunal in our own area of Halifax.
My main concern was that he said he’d send me the information on how to pay the money online and the bailiffs would be stopped! Meanwhile, it was looking like this was a scam as my wife and Deb dug out more information.
It turned out that the scammers were using genuine names of officials
Even the phone numbers that were used were false but appeared genuine. Also, the names they used were those of genuine court and bailiff officials. As a company, we at Pellon Autocentre have a 100% clean record and have never failed to pay anyone for anything . I think now that that could be why we were targeted. The scammers knew that we would panic and possibly pay the money over the phone.
However, because of the digging done by Deb and my wife, we were saved from falling for this very clever scam. I am writing this post the following day and have since recovered from the shock! I’m ready to see what else being in business in 2021 can throw at me and the family business.
Since I wrote this post, the scammers have not given up trying. According to this edition of “Garage Wire,” the scammers are still targeting garages! Of course, they pretend to be “county court” bailiffs and threaten to come and remove some property if you don’t pay an amount over the phone. So if you know that you are in the clear and innocent of any wrongdoing, just put the phone down and ignore them.
