Garage visit 34 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2025 Driving investment into the future Aftermarket editor John Shepherd heads to Kent to see how award-winning D&D Autos’ commitment to customer service and staff wellbeing is paving the way for continued business success I f there was an award for the warmest of welcomes, I have to say D&D Autos would win hands down. From the moment I arrived (ambling in via the service bays to the surprise of the team busy at work there) to eventually meeting the reception and front of house staff — on my way out — it was the friendliest of welcomes. And the Ashford business has a lot to smile about, having been started by Derek Pestridge, at a nearby site in Victoria Road in 1983. Derek spotted the original garage site while out for a run. He was later joined by business partner Dave — and D&D Autos was soon off and running into the commercial fast lane. The business remained at the original site until 2009, growing to occupy four units and employing 13 staff, until increasing business demand and parking limitations led to the search for a larger site. In 2009, the company moved to its current one-acre site on Orbital Park, which has allowed for significant expansion. Today, the second generation of this family business employs around 25, led by Derek’s children — daughter Lorraine Fuller (operations manager) and sons Matthew Pestridge the MD, and workshop manager Richard Pestridge. Matthew’s wife, Kim, is also involved in the business, responsible for training coordination and staff wellbeing, which more than plays to her qualifications as a mental health first-aider. Lorraine and Matthew took time out to talk me through operations, which continued apace in what has been a Bosch Car Service member since 2005. The workshop setup includes 13 bays and two drive-through MOT bays, where two full-time MOT testers can handle up to 40 tests daily, although this is typically kept to around 20. In terms of vehicles handled onsite, Matthew said the business is shifting focus back toward the VW Group and German marques but is otherwise multimarque. And further investment in equipment and infrastructure is an ongoing consideration, with the potential for onsite expansion. However, as Lorraine pointed out with a smile and a wink to her brother, that’s still a topic for discussion and agreement on a business plan! Lorraine and Matthew clearly have a great professional chemistry and their enthusiasm for driving D&D was clearly shared by everyone I met. Both told me of the increasing emphasis on professional diagnostics, ongoing technician training, and Always a warm welcome from the D&D Autos team Kimberley Pestridge is responsible for training coordination and staff wellbeing Celebrating Top Awards success
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=