Katy meets... Auto Link

Ten Years at the Heart of the Village: The Story Behind the Garage That Goes the Extra Mile

By Katy O’Regan

It’s not every day you find a garage with a story as heartfelt and full of character as the one run by Simon and his wife in the heart of our village. This year, they celebrate ten years since relocating their well-established family business to its current site, a move that has only strengthened their ties to the community.

The business itself goes way back. Founded by Simon’s parents, Mark and Elaine, in 1970 in Poynton it later moved to Cheadle Hulme in 1977. For decades, it was a staple of the local scene there until the site became too large to manage after Simon’s father sadly passed away. Eventually, they made the decision to sell up and look for somewhere new, and that’s when the current location became home.

Over the past decade, the business has grown steadily. Many of their loyal customers followed them from Cheadle Hulme, and now a whole new generation of clients from the village and beyond has found their way to the workshop. In fact, much of their reputation comes not just from their solid mechanical work, but from their uncanny knack for rescuing people in need, families on their way to Glastonbury, people emigrating to Spain (pets and all), and even a 107-year-old WWII veteran recently en route to receive an award from the King.

Although Simon and his wife live in Macclesfield, the garage is perfectly positioned by the motorway, making it a convenient stop for locals and motorway-goers alike. The previous owner, Mike, who ran it under a different name, still pops in part-time, lending a hand and keeping the community feel alive.

Simon and his team work on all types of vehicles, with a growing reputation for van servicing and classic cars.

Cameron, their trainee mechanic, joined them just over a year ago and is already proving to be a real asset. Originally trained as a chef, he made the leap into the motor trade and hasn’t looked back. With a calm, practical approach and a willingness to learn, Cameron is now a familiar and trusted face to regulars, many of whom now ask for him by name.

The long-term plan is for Cameron to eventually take over the business. He’s learning the ropes with the aim of eventually taking the reins, guided by Simon’s decades of experience. It’s a testament to their values: investing in the next generation while staying rooted in the same honest, community-first service that’s kept the business thriving for over 50 years.

Here’s to the next ten years, and the road ahead perhaps with Cameron in the driver’s seat.

All information accurate as of June 2025.