Home-grown talent invests in local bodyshop – November 2009

Dagenham-based UK Bodyshop of the Year, AJC Wilson, has new shareholders after longstanding employees Neil Parker, Paul Cunningham and Jamie Derry invested in the company. The three will work alongside fellow shareholder, company founder and Managing Director, Chris Oliver to grow the company by expanding the services offered to AJC’s customers.

The buy-out is part of a strategic succession plan drawn up in 2002, and sees Neil Parker become Finance Director; Paul Cunningham become Operations Director; and Jamie Derry become Production Director. All three began working in AJC’s bodyshop in 2001, and have bought the shares of founder Alf Heritage - who has left to become a partner in an Automotive Consultancy.

Operations Director, Paul Cunningham said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Neil, Jamie and I to build on the existing solid foundations, and one which we will grasp with both hands. We’ve already implemented some new ideas that will help the business expand and diversify into different areas, which in turn will allow us to develop our own experience and intellect. We want to make the business the benchmark for all others to aspire to, and to offer a unique service to drivers in Essex and East London.”

Managing Director, Chris Oliver said: “I am delighted to welcome three of our brightest prospects onto the Board and it’s a testament to our forward-thinking strategies that they have had the chance to work their way up and to buy in to the company. Their investment takes the company into a new phase and will bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to our pioneering lean processes as we strive to make AJC London’s repairer of choice”.

AJC Wilson Bodyshop is the current Motor Trader Bodyshop of the Year and repairs all makes of cars and vans for major insurance company customers and fleets in East London and Essex. It was the first in the UK to become BSI Kitemark Accredited.