Newbury: Funding from NatWest helps friends with purchase of A&T Motors

Two friends who spent all their spare time servicing and repairing cars have gone into business together with help from NatWest.

Allen Scarlett and Ben Fisher, who were both working full-time in machinery maintenance, have bought A&T Motors on Studland Industrial Estate, Newbury.

“We were always working on cars during evenings and weekends,” said Allen, who has previously worked in garages and car dealerships. “I had a little workshop, and we were quite happy doing that. But it was getting very busy and then someone told me this place was up for sale. It was the natural next step.”

The pair approached NatWest relationship manager Neal Carey, who helped them secure a loan under the Government’s Funding for Lending scheme towards the purchase of the business.

Allen said: “Neal was helpful all the way through the process.”

Carey added: “Allen and Ben had wanted their own full-time business for so long and NatWest has been able to help them achieve their ambition. They have kept on the garage’s existing mechanic, who did his apprenticeship there. I look forward to working with them as they go from strength to strength.”