Meet Our Team
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 Chelmsford 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!!
But don't just take our word for it, read what our customers are currently saying about us by, clicking here.
NEIL DURANT - MANAGING DIRECTOR
“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 Chelmsford 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:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- The Green Mile
- Smirnoff Ice
- I guess I'll have to say Luan as I can’t afford another divorce!
TIM MOORE - SALES MANAGER
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.
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- The Battle of Britain
- Larger
- Auntie Sue
RICHARD UNDERHILL - BODYSHOP MANAGER
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:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- The Business
- Budweiser
- Auntie Sue
LUAN HOCKLEY - SERVICE RECEPTIONIST
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 worked in the motor trade for over 11 years and have worked at The Chelmsford Carriage Company since 2003.
The best thing about this company is the people everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is great. As well as my service reception duties, I am also responsible for photographing the used cars and updating the stock list on this website.
I am a confident, articulate and approachable person who prides herself on providing the highest quality of service to my customers.”
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Curly Sue
- Beck's
- Well, seeing as she's my mother, it's just got to be Auntie Sue :)
(AUNTIE) SUE SIMS - FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Rather affectionately known as Auntie Sue, but nicknamed ‘Juggles’ due to the way she successfully juggles the companies finances, whilst the world economy continues to collapse – well done Juggles!
“Born in Romford in 1954, I had previously owned several successful businesses of my own and have been a financial controller all my life.
I joined the Carriage Company in January 2009 at the request of Neil and Luan who felt the company would benefit from some strong financial management.
In my spare time I enjoy the occasional class of white wine, gardening, reading, lying in the sun and of course juggling”.
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Field of Dreams
- Dry White Wine
- Luan and Richard
JAN GOVUS - SALES ADMINISTRATOR
Every Salesperson should have one! The Godmother 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 Nordic walking, gardening, eating out and holidays in France, Italy and Cruises with my friends.”
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- The American President
- Red Wine
- Neil
GARY (THE SORTER) FREEMANTLE - SENIOR MASTER TECHNICIAN
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.
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:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Gone in sixty seconds
- Diet Coke (it's not working yet)
- Neil xxx
FRED (THE FIXER) CLACK - SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Nicknamed ‘The Fixer’ due to his incredible ability to diagnose and fix virtually any mechanical or electrical faults.
“Born in Maldon in 1971, I have worked in the motor trade for over 24 years.
I joined the Carriage Company in 2009 attracted by the companies reputation for looking after both it’s customers and employees.
I enjoy the buzz of working with a great team of friendly people who are all dedicated to growing the business. The workshop is extremely busy and I find the days just fly by.
My hobbies include, Motor Bikes, photography and reading.
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- The (Original) Italian Job
- Guinness
- Auntie Sue
MICHAEL (MISH) STOCK - SENIOR MOT TESTER
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:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Brokeback Mountain
- Whiskey (The older the better)
- Steve
STEVE WEBB - BODYSHOP APPRENTICE
“Born in Chelmsford 1990, I joined the Carriage Company as a bodyshop apprentice in 2009.
There is a really friendly atmosphere in the bodyshop and I am enjoying working for a great company.
In my spare time I enjoy woking out in my local Gym, Clubbing, playing football and supporting Liverpool FC.”
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Bad Boys
- Vodka and Red Bull
- Andy
ANNETTE WARSOP - SERVICE RECEPTIONIST
“Born Chelmsford 1954, I have worked in the motor trade all my life and joined the Carriage Company in January 2009.
The best thing about working at the Carriage Company is the pleasure of looking after a truly fantastic base of loyal and happy customers.
In my spare time I enjoy looking after my grandaughter, planning my next holiday and doing housework - not!
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Champagne
- Auntie Sue
ANDY STRUTHERS - BODYSHOP PAINTER
“Born in Romford in 1978, I have worked in the bodyshop industry since 1998 and joined the Carriage Company in January 2009.
What I love about this company, is the fact that they are so focused on quality. Which means as a painter I am not put under any pressure to hit bonuses targets, by cutting corners and instead can take my time to do the job right first time.
In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with my family and working on cars.
- Favourite Film:
- Favourite Drink:
- Favourite Employee:
- RocknRolla
- Fosters
- Little Stevie
