Business of the month: AK Bodyshop

It’s been a decade since Andy and Lisa Kirk decided to dip their toes into the world of being their own boss. Now, business at AK Bodyshop is booming and the Goole-based couple have no regrets.

With such a strong reputation for delivering professional vehicle repair and refurbishment to an outstanding quality, it’s hard to believe that AK Bodyshop started with just two people and a tiny premises. Our Goole caught up with Lisa and Andy to find out more.

Lisa, when did you set up AK Bodyshop?
“My partner Andy and I started up the company in 2006 in Gilberdyke. We saw the need was there for a high standard of vehicle repair and refurbishment and knew that the best way to ensure people got it was to start a business up ourselves.”

How has your business evolved over the years?
“Initially, it was just Andy and I, but the business has expanded gradually. By 2014 we employed five people and were offering both public and trade services. It was at this point that we made the decision to move into a larger purpose-built premises in Goole and employ even more people.  The move to Goole allowed us to buy a second spray booth and increase production. Today Andy and I employ eight people in total and absolutely love running the business together.”

What services do you provide?
“We provide a huge number of services, including full resprays, accident damage, insurance work, fleet car refurbishment, dent removal and even VW camper conversions. We offer customers free use of our courtesy car, or, if preferred, a collection and delivery service can be arranged.”

Tell us a little about your facilities?
“Our facilities include the latest, high-quality bodywork and paintwork machinery. We have two professional grade spray booths with in-built ovens, designed to deliver unrivalled results on a full range of paintwork services. The top quality equipment means that we are able to deliver superior results on all the work we do.”

Any major achievements along the way?
“AK Bodyshop has grown and developed based on the quality of the services we deliver, which we are really proud of. We also have a strong track record in supporting businesses of all sizes and are used to delivering work quickly and efficiently to meet tight deadlines and strict quality controls.”

What do you believe has been the main factor in your success?
“We are a local, family business that delivers a friendly, personal service to all our clients which they seem to really appreciate. We also have a highly committed, multi- skilled team who provide excellent customer service to all of our customers to thank them for our ongoing success.”

What does the future hold for AK Bodyshop?
“Great things we hope! We’re always looking to welcome new customers and hope to continue serving local businesses and customers for many years to come.”