Manchetts Group logo with bold gray text and red “Group” on a white background

History

Manchetts Peterborough logo with gray and red text on a yellow-green patterned banner
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Fengate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 5XG

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A family business since 1961

From a small petrol station in Burwell to a multi-site group serving Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire, Manchetts has grown while staying true to its family values.

1961

The Beginning

Manchetts began in Burwell in 1961 as a family-run petrol station and workshop, repairing everything from motorbikes to waste collection lorries. As the business grew, a car sales showroom was added, marking the start of a long tradition of serving private motorists and commercial operators.

1980s

Early Expansion

The road to expansion began with the acquisition of Priory Garage, shortly followed by Petersons Accident Repair Centre.

1990s

Rescue and Recovery

Manchetts Rescue and Recovery started life with one spec lift, and 30 years later has grown into an award winning, industry leader in the recovery sector.

2000s

Entering the HGV Sector

Having always had an early interest in the HGV sector, the opportunity to take on the Renault Commercial Franchise was a strategic move. Later in 2015 Manchetts took on the MAN Franchise.

2016

Vehicle Sales and Hire

In 2016, Manchetts opened Vehicle Sales Direct, becoming a franchise outlet for Isuzu and Light Duty Vehicles. Today, the site sells MAN trucks, vans, and used vehicles, including HGVs and exports. Manchetts Van Hire also launched during this period, offering flexible hire options for individuals and businesses.

2020

Growth into Peterborough And Spalding

In October 2020, Manchetts expanded further by acquiring a new MAN-branded workshops in Peterborough and Spalding. This marked a key milestone in strengthening our presence along the busy A1 corridor, extending services to a broader base of commercial vehicle operators.

2021

60 Years of Manchetts

In 2021, Manchetts proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary. From a team of six in 1961 to a workforce of 185 today, our journey has been defined by steady growth, trusted service, and the family values that remain at the heart of everything we do.

2024

New Site at Sleaford

In February 2024, Manchetts acquired another HGV workshop in Sleaford, previously MAN Sleaford. This move further consolidated our position in Lincolnshire as one of the region’s leading names in HGV servicing, repairs, and roadside recovery.

History: Burwell

How did it all begin?

Let’s go back to Britain between the wars. George Manchett received a £100  gift from his father and invested in the purchase of a garage site in Chatteris. He later moved to Burwell with his young family and in 1961 began ‘Manchetts of Burwell’ on what continues to be the group’s home base. 


George’s sons, Peter and Ray, their wives, and eventually their children have grown the ‘Everything Automotive’ business concept since then. 


Alongside Peter, Anne Manchett, worked tirelessly to make the petrol station, vehicle repair workshop, and later, a car showroom, an integral part of the village community. She is still there today…. with a 7am start …. aged 82! 

Small storefront with a yellow post, large window, and a person standing in the doorway Manchetts first garage
White car parked outside a Manchetts MOT garage with tall promotional flags in front of a gray building

Priory Garage & Patersons

How did business grow?

As the children grew up, all of them carved a role in the family business, generally starting work before leaving school. 


This next generation’s road to expansion began with the acquisition of a Renault car franchise, soon followed by a body repair workshop, Patersons, at Newmarket.

Recovery

Rescue & Recovery opportunity!

Never short of energy or ideas, opportunities in the vehicle recovery market were identified.


Despite all being in their 20s with the demands of young families, what began as out-of-hours AA recovery work with a simple spec(k) lift has grown  to become the most recognised ‘yellow and green’ vehicle rescue and recovery brand in East Anglia.

HGV

Heavy Goods Vehicles

The family team had developed an early interest in heavy goods vehicles through cutting their teeth on the repair of agricultural machinery, council dustcarts and farm tippers. 


Entry into the HGV after-sales market brought new challenges and rewards – first, founding a workshop; next, joining the Renault Trucks franchise; then, MAN in 2015. Subsequently, adding  van hire and Isuzu and MAN TGE vehicle sales.

Manchetts and car brand logos on a white banner, including Renault, Dacia, Isuzu, and LDV

New Generation, Peterborough & Spalding

Everything Automotive

Now with a fourth generation immersed in the ‘Everything Automotive’ concept, the Manchett family and existing teams are excited to invite all staff at Peterborough and Spalding to work towards an innovative future founded on our ‘village values’. 


Welcome to 60 years of Manchetts in 2021!

Sleaford

Growth Into Lincolnshire

Further growth took place in 2023 with the acquisition of Manchetts Sleaford from MAN Truck & Bus UK.


An extensive programme of site re-development took place: sinking a new pit for an ATF lane, installing cutting edge rising brake roller testers, office and parts department redevelopment, preparing for continued success.

Community

Community Support

However, despite moving out and away from the original Burwell site, 

Manchetts Group’ mission is founded upon our origins in 1961: we aim to provide the same service to customers and engagement with you, our colleagues, with which we could be proud should we meet you at the village bakery, pub or cricket match. 

In the beginning...

Group of people posing outdoors with tools and a dog in front of a building.

...to now

Group of coworkers standing in front of a yellow-green Manchetts truck in a garage, posing for a photo

Commercial Vehicle

Servicing, Repairs & Diagnostics

Manchetts Peterborough, proud winner of MAN Service Dealer on numerous occasions, offers expert servicing and repair for trucks, vans, buses and coaches. We are committed to being the best service provider in the industry, following the MAN dealer principles adopted across the UK.


Our fully equipped workshop can provide Periodic Maintenance Inspections, routine servicing, and repairs. Our master technicians can conduct complex mechanical and electronic diagnosis and repair. 


Our MAN servicing packages include all Euro 6 costs.


Call 01733 560591 or email xxxxxx to book a service, PMI, or fleet package today.

COMMERCIal OPENING HOURS

Mon - Thu
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
Closed