Smart move for Essex automotive entrepreneur

CHELMSFORD, U.K. - June 2, 2014 - PRLog -- With more ‘battle scarred’ cars on our roads than ever, a businessman from Chelmsford is coming to the aid of beleaguered Essex motorists thanks to a new mobile cosmetic repair service.

Surging growth in the Small and Medium Area Repair Techniques (SMART) industry, worth almost £1billion per year in the UK, prompted Leon Charlton to launch Essex SMART and Windscreens, following a five-figure investment and the recruitment of new staff. He already manages two other businesses with his wife, Maria, from their industrial unit in South Woodham Ferrers.

The couple’s latest proposition aims to tackle the growing issue of scratched paintwork, dents and dings, enabling customers across the county to have their vehicle restored to its original condition at home or work.  Industry research estimates that more than 10 million of the 29 million cars (34%) on UK roads suffers minor damage each year, such as a kerbed alloy wheel, stone-chipped bonnet or scuffed bumper*.

Commenting on his new business, Leon Charlton said:

“Having been in the automotive glazing market for over 15 years, we’ve seen increased demand for this service, so it’s a natural progression. Using a professional colour matching process, we can have a car looking as good as new within just a few hours, including any interior repairs. As well as improving a car’s resale value, this service is far cheaper than making an insurance claim.”

Mr and Mrs Charlton opened the doors to their first business, Essex Glass and Windscreens in 2000 and went on to launch the UK’s first privately owned automotive glazing training centre, the Independent Windscreen Academy, in 2008. The Academy played a key role in the introduction of the first dedicated Apprenticeship in automotive glazing in 2010 and IWA has since trained more than 200 apprentices across the UK.

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*Research carried out by Halfords, published in September 2013.

PICTURE CAPTION:

Leon Charlton, owner of Essex SMART & Windscreens with employees Paul Taylor (left) and Sonny Robinson (right).

Further information about Essex SMART & Windscreens at www.essexwindscreens.co.uk