Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2018 | Page 73

Motoring
All-round service
with a smile
After spending more than 30 years with his head under the
bonnet of various cars, seasoned mechanic Steven Matthews
proudly unveiled his latest venture in Cowes last year – a one-stop
shop for repairs, restorations and MoTs.
Steven and his business partner
Ian Hampton have invested in the
latest technical and diagnostic
equipment to turn the old
Bannister’s Garage MoT station
into a new, state-of-the art facility
for motorists.
“I’ve always wanted a business
that could offer customers the full
package of services, and that’s
exactly what we’ve been able to
achieve here” he says.
Steven, who started his training
in the automotive industry here on
the Island, as an apprentice with
prestige brand Jaguar-Daimler,
later went on to work for Volvo,
and then moved to the mainland
as a test driver and mechanic for
Nissan in Bedfordshire.
He also worked at the Nissan
European Technology Centre on
pre-production cars.
But he couldn’t keep away from
engines, and it wasn’t long before
he was back working on classic
cars and then everyday motors,
operating from a garage at Heath
Farm.
As the business grew, it became
clear it needed bigger, purpose-
built premises closer to town,
which was when Steven and fellow
mechanic Ian decided to take on
the garage in Cowes.
They’ve already built a firm
following of customers, lots of
great testimonials, and a busy
worksheet.
Their aim is to offer a great
personal service – which they can
do because in such a small set-up,
the customer gets to communicate
directly with the person who works
on their vehicle, unlike in some of
the bigger garages.
They do most of the work
themselves, but will call on one
or two other trusted freelance
mechanics to help out during
extra-busy periods.
“Our aim is simple” says Steve.
“To give a really good, all-round
service to every customer and
every car that we see.”
Cowes Garage is open Monday
to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm. Find
them at Bridge Road, Cowes, PO31
7PB or call 01983 290443.
www.visitilife.com
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