It all started as a child, I had this fascination about taking things apart, seeing how they worked and more often than not, never getting it back together working. !!

Left school and didn't really know what to do next, all the careers advice was up at my school, and the only job which caught my eye was free driving lessons. How cool would that be? Free driving lessons and looking further into the job was college training in West Lothian. You would have to fly to Scotland to learn how to mend cars.

So there was me thinking mmmmm..... 6 week block release in Scotland (great as a kid, away from moaning parents) and when I get back the garage where I worked will teach me to drive. I was sold on the idea straight away. I applied and had to do the normal aptitude tests etc, then got my interview with was what known as Parkside garage in Coventry. I'd be working on Rover group cars :)

Stayed there for four years learning my trade, past my driving test first time before the Family owned business was sold to the Quicks group of companies. A handful of lads were made redundant, and I unfortunately was one of them.

Dealership jobs were a bit thin on the ground at the time and I wanted to stay with the Rover product so I went to work for an accident repair company in Baginton, preparing BSM vehicles and repairing all MVO vehicles for the MG Rover Group.

I stayed there for another 4 years (pattern here, lol) till I got itchy feet and upped sticks to go work for a MG Rover dealership in Leamington Spa.

I spent a good while there repairing poorly Rovers, running workshop control and customer liaison. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, until I reluctantly left down to financial rewards. Working closer to home with a higher salary was too good an opportunity to be missed with a young family and home to consider. I still keep my hand in the Rover Group product but no longer work in a Franchise Dealership.

So you could say for over 15 years I have been involved with the MG Rover product range, even my grandad often says, "You was always in my tool box playing !" and, " remember when I changed the engine in the old Austin 1100 ?" Can't honestly say I can.

This kinda leaves me to this time last year, when the conception of Lates600.com was "born" , so I can devote more time to working on Rover cars and to break out of the so called rat race which my Dad always said when you get on that wheel at 16, not much will let you get back off, I suppose parents do talk some sense after all !