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We pride ourselves on being just a little bit different here at The Carriage Company. Many of our staff have been here for more than 8 years. How unusual is that? Walk into most car dealerships and you will find many of their staff are continually changing, what does this mean to you? Well it means that here at The Carriage Company you will be treated correctly, the way you would like and expect to be. Our staff will not simply hustle you through the system as a one time customer. At The Carriage Company you are far more likely to have a friendly, familiar name and face to talk to when you have questions to be answered or problems to be solved………. Long after the sale.
Our goal is to surprise you so much, with an enjoyable buying experience that you will keep on coming back for more.
A LOT OF COMPANIES SAY THIS………..WE ACTUALLY MEAN IT!!
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NEIL DURANT - DIRECTOR
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“Born in Rochford in 1965, I have worked in the motor trade since 1989 and opened The Carriage Company in 1996. I can say with confidence that I have never worked with a team of people who are so passionate about the company they work for and so dedicated to making it a successful business. I have always believed that passionate people make the difference and at The Carriage Company they definitely do.
In my spare time when I am not thinking about the business I enjoy following horse racing, an occasional round of golf and spending time with the love of my life Luan and my three girls Emily, Chloe and Katie-Jo.
Favourite Film: |
The Green Mile |
Favourite Drink: |
Smirnoff Ice |
Favourite Employee: |
I guess i’ll have to say Luan as I can’t afford another divorce! |
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LEE (THE GAFFER) GILLMAN-AFTER SALES MANAGER
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Now Lee is the “mastermind” behind our Aftersales Departments
Found in Colchester on a cold winters night in 1971. I have worked in the motor trade all my life.
The best thing about the Carriage Company is it’s friendly no pressure atmosphere.
In my spare time I love watching football and all sports in general. I am a racing greyhound owner, I enjoy horse racing and like attending horserace and point to point meetings.
Favourite Film: |
The Empire Strikes Back |
Favourite Drink: |
Larger (the more the better!) |
Favourite Employee: |
Gary x |
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TIM MOORE - GENERAL SALES MANAGER
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The one who sits in the office doing nothing but looking very important. In fact he's a legend in his own lunch box!!
“Born in Kent in 1959, I have been involved in sales for 11 years and have worked at the Carriage Company since 1999.
It’s a great company with a excellent reputation, everyday is different and presents new challenges, not least in coaching, developing and focusing my team. I love being around people, always have been for as long as I can remember, I guess having two brothers and a sister afforded me plenty of practise and now with children and a grandchild of my own I have lots of time to indulge my people passion.
In my spare time I enjoy supporting my life long football team Chelsea, Holidays in Cyprus, drinking in my local and of course eating!!!”
Favourite Film: |
Battle of Britain |
Favourite Drink: |
Lager |
Favourite Employee: |
Luan |
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RICHARD UNDERHILL- BODYSHOP MANAGER
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Nicknamed “the rabbit” as he runs everywhere rather like the white rabbit in “Alice in wonderland”
Born East London in 1977. I Have worked in the Bodyshop industry since 1993
The best thing about the Carriage Company is the people that work here.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, working on Classic Cars, swimming and going to the gym.
Favourite Film: |
The Business |
Favourite Drink: |
Budweiser |
Favourite Employee: |
Andy |
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LUAN HOCKLEY - SALES ADVISOR
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Known as 'Loopy Lu' to her friends and colleagues - meet her and you'll find out why. If you can't find our garage, don’t bother asking Luan for directions - you have been warned !!!
“Born in Colchester in 1977 I have been successfully selling cars for over 7 years and have worked at The Carriage Company since 2003.
The best thing about this company is the people everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is great. As well as selling cars I am responsible for updating The Carriage Company’s website and developing the ebay side of our business were I have just become an Ebay power seller.
I am a confident, articulate and approachable person who prides herself on providing the highest quality of service to my customers.”
Favourite Film: |
Curly Sue |
Favourite Drink: |
Beck's |
Favourite Employee: |
Amber |
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JAN GOVUS - SALES ADMIN/ACCOUNTS
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Every Salesperson should have one! The back bone of the company, Jan never ceases to amaze with her knowledge of the Motor Trade, but Never, Ever upset her!!
“Born in Colchester in 1945, I have worked in the motor trade for over twenty years, and joined The Carriage Company in 1998. It is a really supportive and informal working environment and it is good to know that everyone here is on the same side and prepared to help out. I am very proud to be working for such a successful company.
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, eating out and holidays in France, Italy and Cruises with my friends.”
Favourite Film: |
The American President |
Favourite Drink: |
Red Wine |
Favourite Employee: |
Neil |
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MICHAEL (MISH) STOCK – WORKSHOP MECHANIC
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A real country boy is our mish, who wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of ‘One man and his dog’
“Born in Halstead in 1950 I have worked within the motor trade all my life and started with The Carriage Company in 1999.
I enjoy working for a company that not only looks after it’s people but also their customers.
In my spare time I love looking after my 5 Border Collies, Craig, Kobi, Ollie, Kes and Beau, who all compete in agility tests. I am also an obedience judge at local Kennel Club shows.”
Favourite Film: |
Brokeback Mountain |
Favourite Drink: |
Whiskey (the older the better) |
Favourite Employee: |
Adam x |
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AMBER HOCKLEY - BODY CENTRE TECHNICIAN
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Now starting work early, getting dusty and dirty is not every girl’s idea of fun, but then our Amber is not your average girl. With her tough, cheeky demeanour and Australian accent she’s the Carriage Companies very own Crocodile Dundee.
Born in Colchester in 1977. I returned from Australia where I had been working for the past 3 years having obtained my Australian residency.
The best thing about the Carriage Company is it’s people - it goes without saying! I now work for two great bosses (Neil and Stuart) which makes a change for me!
Favourite Film: |
Love Actually |
Favourite Drink: |
Vodka and Orange |
Favourite Employee: |
Luan |
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GARY (THE SORTER) FREEMANTLE-SENIOR MASTER TECHNICIAN
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Now we’re not saying our Gary is a big man but his lunchbox takes up just as much room as his toolbox. Nicknamed “the sorter” due to his amazing ability to rectify even the most technical of automotive faults, he is the only mechanic we have met who keeps a laptop in his toolbox.
Born Maidstone 1968, I have worked in the motor trade for over 24 years and I am a proud member of the IMI (The Institute of the Motor Industry).
The best thing about the Carriage Company is the “Guvner” Neil
In my spare time I enjoy mountain biking, Kite surfing and rebuilding and upgrading computers.
Favourite Film: |
Gone in sixty seconds |
Favourite Drink: |
Diet Coke? (not working at present) |
Favourite Employee: |
Lee xxx |
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Double trouble.
Our twins Luan and Amber. |
Mr. Carriage himself - Neil |
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