Aycliffe Monthly #1 | Page 15

Aycliffe Today Monthly | 15 @AycliffeToday Gregg Little Testing Centre’s new body shop expert, Neil Atterby, with the company’s business development manager Emma Little BODY SHOP EXPERT JOINS GREGG LITTLE A body shop expert made redundant by Holiways has joined one of Newton Aycliffe’s oldest companies. Newtonian Neil Atterby worked for family-run Ford dealership Holiways for 20 years before he was laid off along with 81 other employees over a year ago. And after working outside the area, Neil is now back working in his hometown after joining the Gregg Little’s Testing Centre team. “I absolutely love it!” said the 51-year-old. “I’d worked at Holiways for 20-odd years so when it went into administration it was a massive blow. “But I’m delighted to be back in my hometown working for another family firm with years of history and tradition behind it.” Neil has replaced popular body shop expert Eddie Baker, who retired after 15 years with Gregg Little’s. He joins the new management team of business development manager Emma Little, company secretary Claire Thain, secretaries Maureen Buckle and Alice Todd, manager Les Douthwaite, diagnostics specialist Norman Travers, technician James Little and mechanics Richard Wilson and Andrew Walton. Emma, Gregg’s daughter, said: “Neil has come in with a real energy about him, full of ideas and bringing lots to the table, and already the feedback from customers about the quality of work is just fantastic. He’s brought a lot of new business to us as well. “The best thing about working at Gregg Little is that everyone’s voice is heard. We listen to our staff and they’re always coming up with new ideas and ways of doing business and looking after our customers. “It’s important to listen to them as they work directly with the customers and they know them inside-out.” Gregg Little’s is also working with local schools, and Emma added: “We’re big believers in developing young people. All our staff here gone through Apprenticeships and we work closely with local schools, trying to engage with education as much as we can.” Gregg Little’s is an independent family-run garage trading in Aycliffe since 1985. They carry out MOT testing, servicing, repairs, engine diagnostics, tyres, exhausts, while Neil, the new paint shop specialist, will be happy to give a estimate for any bump or scrape, just call in for a free quote Monday to Friday. Employing technicians who are keen motorcyclists, HX