Company History
In The Beginning
The Manchett group was originally founded in 1961 when the parents of the current owners set up in business in the village of Burwell, just north of Newmarket providing garage services for the local community. The current generation of owners came into the business at a management level in 1989 as the business expanded with the takeover of an additional local enterprise, Priory Garage. Two years later further expansion came with the addition of another local bodyshop, Patersons, in Newmarket. During 1994 the owners took the decision to move into the recovery arena from the original premises. As this business grew it became necessary to relocate the recovery operations to a dedicated site in 2001, a year later a separate commercial servicing centre was also opened so that foundations of the group as it is known today was formalised. Most recently 2010 has seen the refurbishment and redevelopment of the original 1961 site to incorporate a Budgens convenience store.
Since the 2001 move the recovery operation has gone from strength to strength serving Motoring Organisations, Police authorities, Local Authorities and Highways agencies.
Recovery 2010
In 2010 the recovery arm of the group operates from two dedicated sites serving Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.
The business provides recovery and rescue services to all the major motoring organisation’s along with specialist vehicle rescue, recovery and storage services to the Police Authorities, Local Authorities and Highways agencies.
In recent years the focus has shifted towards keeping the driver mobile. With fully equipped and qualified ATA patrols providing a 24/7 service we aim to be able to provide this level of service as the first option and prime solution. It is felt that this is the most cost effective solution for all parties involved, promoting improved customer satisfaction along with efficiency savings. If roadside repair proves not to be the best solution we are also able to offer full workshop facilities for both car and commercial customers alike along with body repair services and the provision of courtesy cars where necessary. At all times the aim of the Manchett Group is to get the customer moving as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Technology also plays a part. All jobs are dispatched from our 24 hour control centre to the state of the art job handling systems installed in all vehicles, enabling the control centre to deliver all the relevant job information direct. All vehicles are tracked via satellite 24/7 giving the control centre full visibility of the fleet and its availability on demand. The accuracy and operation of these systems help the Manchett Group consistently deliver high levels of service, leading to improved customer satisfaction. Most recently, the implementation of document archiving systems are helping the group meet ever improving levels of compliance.
All recovery staff are fully trained in the National Highways sector 17 module for industry best practice, whilst for further peace of mind all operatives are routinely CRB monitored.
Continual investment in the business evolves as the vehicle fleet is routinely replaced and upgraded to meet forthcoming emission legislation, with a Euro4 minimum standard, and cut the groups carbon footprint. Recent investment has been made in a tyre fit solution to accommodate run flats and modern vehicles without a spare tyre provision.
Our fleet list includes a mixture of 10 and 12 tonne slide beds to accommodate LWB panel vans. The slide beds also facilitate super low approach loading capabilities. This investment goes further than just your regular recovery provision and enables us to offer, amongst others, the following levels of service:-
· Light Vehicle Recovery
· Light Vehicle Roadside Assistance
· Fully Equipped Commercial Service Vans
· Commercial Recovery
· Low Loader Recovery
· Motorcycle Recovery
· 75 Tonne Rotating Crane
· 50 Tonne Airbag Lifting Equipment
· Off Road Recovery with Winching Capabilities
· Under Cover Vehicle Transportation
· Accident Units/HIABS
· Secure Storage
· 24/7 Fuel Drains
· Mobile Tyre Fitting Service Including Run Flats
The Future
Over the years the group has organically grown to meet the demands placed on it by its business partners and customers alike. Today the group employs over 100 staff across six locations but the shareholders and directors remain very much involved and remain committed to ensure the future development of the group.
