Mobile Valet business gives owner new lease of life

Name: Paul Gresty

A local entrepreneur has launched his own mobile valeting business after being made redundant a year ago.

Paul Gresty, 50 lost his job as a heavy goods driver 12 months ago and struggled to find a new job in that profession, so he decided to set up his own business. With the help of Dream High, Paul launched Wavertree Auto Valets last week.

His mobile valeting service is fully equipped with onboard water and power and he offers a door to door service right across Liverpool.

In preparation for his new business venture, Paul went to Staffordshire on a two day valeting course called Auto Smart where he learnt about the chemicals and the costing of valeting.

Paul said: “Quite a few years ago, I worked for a valeting company for two years. Back then they didn’t have the chemicals they have now, so I wanted to learn more about them.”

He said: “I thought a mobile valeting service would be a good business as people in Liverpool are struggling with the recession. People are not buying new cars, instead they are saving money and doing up their old cars, so a valeting service is more in demand.”

Dream High has supported Paul by helping him market his new business venture. Paul said: “Dream High has given me a lot of support, helping me market and promote the business and get things up and running. They have also arranged for me to go to networking events, which is a great way of meeting other entrepreneurs and a way of promoting my business to others.”

The business has got off to a great start with Paul receiving more calls from customers than he imagined for his first week of business.

Claire Chang, Business Facilitator for Dream High said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Paul. His new business is a great idea and I’m delighted with the wonderful reception the business has received despite it only been launched a week ago. I hope that Wavertree Auto Valets will continue to grow in the future.”