Gary Driscoll
I have worked in recovery since 1983, starting my career off as a recovery driver. I later became Workshop Manager for 2 years, after which I moved into the operational running of the front line recovery operations as Recovery Manager. Which I successfully maintained to a very high standard until realising my full potential and became Operations Manager in 1997. My responsibilities included operation of the business from Control, Car & Commercial Recovery, Car & Commercial Roadside Assistance, Invoice & Customer Liaison, Workshop and New Business Development.
In 2002 Gary moved out of Management and decided to purchase a small, long established recovery company complete with 3 old trucks and 2 even older vans and over the past 7 years developed Cedars Recovery into the company it is today owning and operating over 55 vehicles within London and the home counties.
Martin Cruttenden
I am Managing Director of Waterfall Garage Services Limited. Established in 1986.
Waterfall Garage is an independent family run repairer of motor vehicles and light commercials. The recovery and transportation of motor vehicles, motor cycles and light to medium commercials. Based in central Wimbledon providing an efficient reliable service throughout South and South West London.
Over the last decade I have welcomed the progression of the Recovery Industry with open arms. Through this the business has achieved ISO 9001:2000 and PAS 43 certification.
I believe in raising the standards of the Recovery Industry and continued improvements.
I am actively involved in the Recovery Service and willing to make positive steps to improve and support the industry.
My business has been affected by the recession as margins are cut and operators are dropped!
The industry is undervalued and underpaid. Our road ahead is a difficult one but with some hard work, good negotiation let’s make the journey a rewarding one.
William Thomas Hunsdale
My name is William Thomas Hunsdale, I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and am 55 years of age. I am the Managing Director of Lords Breakdown Service. I have worked in the Motor Industry for 40 years.
I served my apprentice as a vehicle body builder, and by the age of 23 I was a Shop Steward and Health & Safety Officer for 60 employees.
In 1981 I moved to London and worked in a body repair centre quickly achieving the position of Foreman and then to Body Shop Manager.
In 1995 I set up Lords Breakdown Recovery Limited with 3 others. Since then I have achieved various additional qualifications and experience including C.P.C. National and International Haulage certification. I have also done a full A.D.R. and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and a member of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery.
Adam Longmore
Managing Director of LAR Traffic Services, an independent established family run breakdown and recovery of motor vehicles, motor cycles and light to medium commercials.
Originally Based in London, we have now branched out to Essex and Herts.
We also provide services for Car & Van Hire & Repairs & Restorations of Ford Mustangs.
We have a Police Forensics Site and Storage Pound and a MOT Testing Centre.
Coming from a mechanical background of breakdown & recovery, I started out working for my father’s company which ceased in 1985 due to the Broadwater Farm riots.
I started off as a one man band with a 1966 Bedford TK truck, I have now built this up to a fleet of over 25 vehicles.
It took a lot of determination and hard work by myself, my son and my daughter plus close friends and my employees to build up to where we are at the moment.
We have achieved ISO 9001:2008 and also PAS 43 2008 certification.
My business has been hit by the recession, we have tendered for contracts which we haven’t secured, but I believe in being paid a decent price for a decent job.
I believe our industry is a very important job, but is under appreciated and underpaid. I believe if we all work together we can change this.
I hope we can all get through this trying time and continue to provide the high standard of services which is expected this day and age and for it to be appreciated and paid well.
