About NE Vehicle Repairs

This business was first started in 1991 by husband and wife, Nigel and Karen Ellis, after Nigel was made redundant due to the closure of Mumfords Fiat dealership, where Nigel was working as workshop foreman.

Nigel served his apprenticeship at Warren Brothers, Plymstock, after leaving school at 16 in 1974! This was a British Leyland dealership initially but later became a Hyundai dealership. He then moved to Mumfords in 1985, which at the time were at Marsh Mills, on the site that is now Sainsburys. Whilst running the workshop as foreman he achieved a Gold Level Award from the Fiat Service Guild for outstanding technical ability, which was given to the top 10 Fiat Technicians throughout the country. Due to the development of the site and Mumfords being unable to find a suitable area for relocation, this left the staff redundant. Nigel was then in a position to do what he thought he would always do one day and that was be his own boss and start out on his own. He started trading as a mobile workshop and working from home.

His passion for quality workmanship and customer care soon grew the business to requiring premises and employing staff. He moved into his current premises in 1994. He has employed and trained many apprentices over the years, some of who have gone on to become managers of other motor trade outlets or start up on their own. In 2008 he was awarded the Learning Skills Council, Micro Business Employer of the Year Award, for his support to apprentices. He was nominated for this by the Automotive Department within City College Plymouth. More recently, in 2015, he received “Highly Commended” in the Employability Award section, at the Business Awards Ceremony hosted by City College Plymouth. This was for his interaction with the college, students and apprentices.

In 2005 Nigel and Karen were joined by another family member, their eldest son Dan. He served his apprenticeship with City College Plymouth and is now a qualified technician. The training is on-going due to new developments in engineering and Dan continues to attend regular Bosch training courses to keep up to date with the latest technology. Dan is also a qualified Air Conditioning Refrigerant Handler.

Karen takes care of the accounts and oversees the reception and administration. She has worked alongside and supported Nigel since day one, so has consequently built up a vast knowledge about common faults and vehicle maintenance.

She is ably assisted by Hannah, who would usually be your first point of contact, either on the telephone or in person in the reception area. Since working in the garage, she is constantly building on her vehicle knowledge so is able to help with most of your enquiries.

At N E Vehicle Repairs we pride ourselves on high standards and quality workmanship. Our priority is to make sure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy and you, the customer, are satisfied, vehicle and understand the work that has been carried out!