Yorkshire Bank funding helps car enthusiast turn passion into career

A blacksmith, based in West Yorkshire, has turned his passion for cars into a career by purchasing a garage with funding from Yorkshire Bank.

Jed Mitchell has opened Jed’s Garage in Birstall, Batley, which will also operate as an MOT service station.

Jed was able to purchase the site after securing a six-figure funding package from Yorkshire Bank

A skilled mechanic, Jed has been an enthusiast of automobiles and motorbikes since he was a teenager. He has frequently carried out mechanical work for friends and family but has focused mainly on his blacksmith business for the last 15 years.

But as for his new full-time career, Jed’s long-term strategy is to grow the business over the next few years, and potentially add more garages to his portfolio.

Shelley Fox, business development manager at Yorkshire Bank’s Business Direct Service, managed the funding for the garage.

Jed, who has been a customer of the Bank since he was 16 years old, said: “I’ve had an account with Yorkshire Bank for many years and its staff have always provided me with a high quality of service. Starting a new business can be a daunting experience but the team was there to advise me on every step. The garage is now open and things are really starting to come together.”

Shelley added: “It’s always rewarding to support a customer in starting their own business, especially one as skilled and enthusiastic as Jed. His previous experience of successfully setting up and running a well-established local business will no doubt help him with this new venture.

“We look forward to continue working with Jed to support the business’ future growth.”