CAR VALET... Jamie Cullen of Mobile Car Spa.
Mobile car valet aims to clean up
14th April 2011
A YOUNG first-time businessman from South Tyneside hopes to clean up after launching a mobile car valet service.
Jamie Cullen, 22, who got Mobile Car Spa into gear with practical help and financial support from his family, believes he is on to a commercial winner.
He said: “I only launched the business on March 28 and I’ve been really busy since, working from South Shields to Newcastle and Sunderland to Ponteland.
Ideally, I would like to strengthen the business and eventually have a fleet of vans and five or six workers, plus a depot. But I need to walk before I can run, and now I’m really more interested in building up the name and reputation of Mobile Car Spa before expanding.
The former Harton Comprehensive pupil received the support of his parents, Shirley and Barney, plus his brother, Marc, who helped develop the new company’s website.
Mr Cullen added: “I initially got the business off the ground by simply going to a couple of industrial estates and talking to people about the service that I offer.
“I’m also a special constable with Northumbria Police and love interacting and talking to people. I’m sure that has helped me in attracting customers.
“I think there is a niche market out there for a mobile valeting service and people seem to like what Mobile Car Spa offers.
“In fact, I think I underestimated the size of the market and how much work there is out there for my company.”
Travelling around the region with his fully equipped van, Mr Cullen offers a comprehensive vehicle valeting service, with prices ranging from £14 to £70.
South Shields-born Mr Cullen said his family have been “100 per cent supportive,” and he aims to raise the profile of the business via word-of-mouth recommendations and company flyers.