Torbay Motor Vehicle Repairs Ltd based in Brixham has been granted Bosch Car Service status which firmly puts it in the elite division of the motor industry and a proper alternative to the main dealer. The accolade will enable TMVR to operate as an independent garage but with the back up of Bosch, a world leader in electronic development engineering for the motor trade.

The recognition did not come without a huge amount of investment from the owners of TMVR Ltd - Andy, Jayne and Grant Laywood, who have spent many months and substantial money upgrading their workshop on the Torbay Trading Estate in New Road , Brixham.

Andy, who has always kept himself in the forefront of technology with on-going investment in equipment and training, explained: "We have upgraded our workshop to an extremely high standard and one that is second to none in terms of the work we can carry out and achieve. The recognition from Bosch will open up a huge area of knowledge and experience which is not available to many other garages. The Bosch Car Service is currently the only group of garages operating with the full backing of the Office of Fair Trading Code of Conduct."

To achieve the status, Andy and his team have carried out numerous improvements to the workshop, including providing a new tiled floor, the installation of a 5.5 ton ramp, capable of lifting large motor homes and small commercials, and building a new office and reception with a comfortable waiting area and full facilities for customers.

Andy added: "We can provide customers with loan cars and vans whilst work is being carried out on their vehicles, thereby helping those in business to carry on working and not be stranded without transport."

Andy looks after the workshop while his son, Grant, who joined the business three years ago, uses his skills in the newly built service and reception area, alongside mum, Jayne.

Andy moved to Brixham from Leicester in 1986, transferring a sucessful mobile

mechanics business. The following year he opened a garage in the St Mary's side of Brixham, and was so successful that within two years he was expanding and opening an MOT station. He continued there until 1992 before taking a two year gap and then re- opened his business in 1994, but continued success meant he was obliged to move to bigger premises on the Torbay Trading Estate, where he has been ever since.  

Andy and Grant are assisted in the workshop by Shaun, who has 21 years of Volvo experience and looks after the MOTs, and Nigel, with 25 years experience, who specialises in diagnostic and electrical work alongside radio and alarm skills. Andy added: "We are big believers in apprenticeships for youngsters and currently have a young man Steve who is in his second year, training at Exeter College, which along with their very up-to-date and experienced, enthusiastic staff and excellent facilities offer numerous and on-going training programmes.”

“I have 29 years experience in the industry including 25 of those being self-employed, but it is never too late to learn and we also have to thank Autoquip, who, for some 21 years have offered superb help and support. Autoquip proved instrumental in helping us gain the Bosch recognition and we are extremely grateful to them and all their staff for the on-going support."

In addition to MOTs, servicing and general repairs, TMVR Ltd covers air conditioning, fault diagnosis to engine management systems, air bags, ABS brakes on both petrol and diesel vehicles and Insurance warranty work (except for bodywork). The company is also a Brembo Brake fitting centre and a member of the Autosafe Group.