About us
Back in 1987 an empty, run down garage in North Shields re-opened, EXPRESS GARAGE had been closed for some time due to the former owner suffering some health problems. George Wraith an experienced motor engineer together with business partner K. Miller decided to join forces and re-open the garage.
Some years previously George had already owned a small repair garage in Whitley Bay offering both mechanical and bodywork repairs, after many successful years repairing cars George was drawn towards his other passion – fishing, he proceeded to sell his garage and buy his first fishing boat. After a number of years fishing George decided it was time to hang up his waterproofs and dig out his boiler-suit again, he sold his boat & equipment, paid off the mortgage on the family home and together with Mr. Miller re-opened EXPRESS GARAGE.
After a year or so of trading Mr. Miller decided to move on to pastures new. George buying out his share in the business, now making him the sole proprietor.
Now finding himself on his own trying to run a garage George approached his son John, offering him a job in the ‘family business’. John was working at a large Citroen dealership where he had served his apprenticeship. Aged just twenty one John ‘jumped’ at the offer to work for his father and a new chapter in the EXPRESS GARAGE story began.
We service and repair all makes and models of vehicle and specialise in French cars such as Citroen and Peugeot. We offer a cost effective alternative to the main dealers, customers can have their cars repaired and maintained at a fraction of main dealer prices whilst still maintaining their manufacturers warranty.
As the business grew from strength to strength more help was needed, over the coming years a number of staff came and went (some better than others). Then in stepped Steven Murray who came to the garage as a young YTS apprentice, after serving out his apprenticeship and becoming well versed in all cars, Steven has become a long serving, loyal and valued member of the team.
In 2007, with George now retired and John owning & running the business, EXPRESS GARAGE became a limited company, always moving forwards and improving standards, like constantly investing and updating in the ever changing vehicle diagnostic market.
A new floor with the addition of a new scissor ramp (making three ramps in total), a full new roof & electric roller shutter door, new alarm and cctv system and a new customer reception/waiting area also having been added, all this adding up to making customer’s visit as comfortable as possible.
EXPRESS GARAGE are proud members of the Good Garage Scheme and The Federation of Small Businesses, these organisations are well recognised, respected and ‘vet’ their members – so if you don’t meet their standards you’re not allowed to be a member, it’s a simple as that.
Advertising is something that is very rarely needed, apart from this website, the Yellow Pages and the occasional leaflet drop, you will probably never see another ad anywhere for EXPRESS GARAGE, This is due to the massive and ever expanding loyal customer database. Most customers are existing, repeat customers and nearly all new customers are through recommendations, which is obviously by far the best form of advertising any business could want.
Customer care is very important, and so is ‘doing the job right’ so at EXPRESS GARAGE we aim to please, however one area where we don’t compromise on is quality, we won’t fit poor quality parts just to do a ‘cheap’ job, if that’s what you are looking for then we can’t help you.
We feel that we offer a good job at a fair price using good quality parts, our philosophy is to do the job properly first time -that way keeping everybody happy.
Thanks for viewing our site.
John – Proprietor
