Bolton car garage named North West's best in competition

Whitecroft Garage in Lucy Street, Heaton, won the accolade in the Government-approved garage scheme Motor Codes, backed by Trading Standards.

“We are absolutely delighted to be regional winners,” commented joint owner Mr Glynne Lever. “It’s a tribute to the whole team.”

The garage was started by Mr Lever’s father, Wayne, now retired, 18 years ago.

“I hadn’t been in the garage business before then,” explained Glynne. “I’d been in electronics and been a draughtsman, but my dad encouraged me to come into the business when it opened — the best decision I ever made.”

From just one employee, Whitecroft Garage has grown to five staff members, specialising in MOTs and services on a wide variety of cars.

“You need to be up to date with all the latest developments in cars these days,” stated Glynne. “So we are also members of national body Auto Care and all regularly go on day courses.

“People expect you to know about modern cars and we are learning all the time, through the courses and through working on cars.”

The garage also takes active steps to gain customer satisfaction and the testimonials and positive online reviews for the garage figured highly in winning the award.

“We try to make all our customers feel confident in our work and, fortunately, they’ve been kind enough to say so,” added Glynne.

Staff also take an active role in helping local community charities; they have supported Marie Curie in the past and are currently fundraising for Derian House children’s hospice.

Their hard work has paid off in more ways than one and the garage is now so busy Glynne is looking for additional local premises. It is also no stranger to awards, two years ago, the garage was Highly Commended in the Bolton and Bury Business Awards for its work with apprentices.

“And I’ve just sent off our entry for this year’s Business Awards,” he added, “so we’re keeping our fingers crossed.”