Local specialist coach building company Simon Isles Coach Building Limited is celebrating after successfully moving to new 12,000 square foot premises in Stockport.
- Local coach builder moves to new 12,000 sq ft premises in Stockport
- Move funded with RBS loan arranged by Tectanet Systems Ltd
- Premises located in former paper mill will allow business to expand and take on apprentices
PIctured – (L-R) Simon Isles, Julie Isles,Graham Saul, Loz O’Connor, Paul Baxter, Paul Todd.
The move has been funded with the help of a loan from The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) with advice provided by Stockport based Accountancy practice, Tectanet Systems Ltd.
Owned and managed by Simon and Julie Isles, Simon Isles Coach Building is breathing new life into a former paper mill that has been standing empty on the outskirts of Stockport for some years. Although sold with planning permission for conversions to apartments, the duo has no such intentions for the mill. Instead they are keen to maintain the integrity of the building and pay homage to its industrial past by relocating their own businesses to the site. While Simon’s unique coach building will be housed on the ground floor, Julie also plans to expand her city-slick cottage home interiors business to the building.
Simon, 47, is a third generation coach builder producing handmade car bodies to order. After 30 years learning and perfecting his skill, Simon Isles Coach Building Limited is revered and respected throughout the world.
Simon Isles, owner of Simon Isles Coach Building Limited explains: “I am lucky to have had these skills passed to me by my father and grandfather and I love my work. But like many traditional crafts, unless there is someone to pass the skills on to, they are in real danger of becoming extinct.
“Moving to the mill has given me the opportunity to expand the business and that includes finding an apprentice or two to learn the craft of coach building to carry on to future generations.”
Tectanet Managing Director Graham Saul commented: “Simon’s skills are known all over the world as he has the rare talent to design, restore and hand craft one-off bodywork for any model of car, whatever the date of original manufacturer; clients are varied from one off restorers to car manufacturers. Recent work includes completing restoration of an Aston Martin DB2/4, hand building a complete aluminium body for both a Jaguar C Type and a Bugatti Type 43.
Paul Todd, Relationship Manager at The Royal Bank of Scotland added: “This is a really exciting move for Simon and Julie and we are pleased that the funding we have provided has aided them to purchase and move into the new premises.
“Simon is a real specialist in his craft and there are few people in the world who have the skills and expertise he possesses. The new space is excellent and will provide him with the facilities he needs to expand and grow his business and train apprentices to pass his skills onto.”
Simon and Julie are also keen to maximise on their investment and make the mill their own home too by renovating a bungalow within the one acre site and living a bit of the ‘Good’ life as experienced by popular TV characters Tom and Barbara.