Partner Article

Life after Alcan closes.

NEWS RELEASE13 June 2012Local Entrepreneur Makes a ‘Fresh Start’ After Rio Tinto Alcan ClosureSteve Armstrong a former Plant Operator at the Rio Tinto Plant at Lynemouthhas set up his new business, SAPA Prestige Detailing and Valet. Steve fromStakeford, Northumberland, has spent his career in Northumberland, includingRio Tinto Alcan before becoming one of over 500 people made redundant whenthe smelter closed.Steve has now launched SAPA Prestige Detailing and Valet to providecustomers across the North East with a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ vehicleservice including: professional vehicle protection; detailing; permanentodour removal; smart interior repairs; dent removal; alloy wheel repair anda professional valet service. The company is off to a flying startproviding a bespoke service for both local ‘high end’ businesses withvehicle fleets and for car lovers without the time to get the finish theyaspire to. SAPA has recently been appointed to undertake warranty work fora national vehicle paint protection product.Steve Armstrong, Owner of SAPA said: “The business helps individuals andbusinesses that like me have a passion to make their vehicles look theirbest at all times,” explains Steve. “I am especially interested indeveloping my ‘end to end’ service to ensure businesses can showcase theirproducts and services in quality, well presented vehicles. My aim of a ‘onestop shop’ is now realised to provide a complete package of solutions in onelocation”“It was incredibly difficult when I was made redundant but starting thisbusiness has given me a real focus and drive and we’ve already had successin securing clients in the North East and Yorkshire.”Steve has recently received professional training from the best in the cardetailing business to broaden his services and expertise and has receivedstrong support from his network of business contacts.Nick Manson, Owner of Mansons Residential Sales and Lettingswww.Mansonsguild.co.uk who has contracted with SAPA commented “SAPA ensureour fleet of vehicles give the right impression to our customers whenviewing our properties for sale or rent. Steve shares my enthusiasm forcars and his professional approach, expertise and strong customer focus areimpressive for such a young business. I have now asked Steve to work on myown cars”Steve is confident that the business will build on its early success. Heoffers the following top tips to those considering setting up on their own:• Review your business plan several times before embarking on you newventure.• Talk through your plans with as many people as possible and be open toother people’s ideas.• Whatever effort you have estimated it will take to start you business beprepared for it to be significantly more than your estimate.For the range of services SAPA offers see the website www.sa-pa.co.ukEnds.For more information, media should contact Steve Armstrong on mobile+44(0)7886238639 or email Steven@sa-pa.co.ukNotes to editors:About SAPA Prestige DetailingFlexibility and a bespoke customer service are key and SAPA offer acomprehensive range of vehicle detailing services for companies andindividuals but with focus on helping businesses with small but prestigefleets. The service is tailored to suit the individual needs of eachcustomer with the aim of providing a cost-effective, professional solutionto their particular needs.SAPA Prestige Detailing provides professional car detailing services,paintwork correction and protection, stain prevention for interiors andpermanent odour removal. New Services include “smart repairs” for interiors,scuffs,scratches,tears and nicks as well as cigarette burns can be fixed.Leather that is worn away can now be refaced.Additional information on SAPA Car Detailing may be found at www.sa-pa.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Armstrong .