Nick's concept a success

A typical example, and the latest offering from the Ricci Concept Motor Company, is a suspension modification kit designed to give Audi’s latest A3 cabriolet optimum road-hugging ability.

Based on Hull’s South Orbital Trading Park, the centre of excellence for and servicing and refining Audis, VWs, Seats, Skodas and Porches was founded 14 years ago as a one man venture by managing director Nick Sanderson.

Today it employs six people and, last year, turned over half of a million pounds – 20 per cent year on year growth.

And that sustained performance has helped Sanderson become a contender for the Mail's Gosschalks Solicitors-sponsored Young Businessperson of the Year Award.

Originally an apprentice technician with Hull's then local VW/Audi dealer, he was Humberside Apprentice of the Year in 1991 and later made it to the top 10 in a competition to represent the UK in the Skills Olympics.

When that company closed in 1995, he decided to go it alone in a rented unit with the help of a £10,000 loan and his own money.

He said: "I had two ramps and worked on my own. In those days I repaired the cars and answered the phone – and it wasn't until a year later that I could take on my first technician."

The business now operates out of three units and has a four-wheel alignment machine and a digital road.

Building a strong team and providing a genuine alternative to the services available from main dealers – particularly for drivers who want to get more performance out of their cars – are among the keys, he believes, to his success.

Strong links with three leading suppliers also enable the firm to offer the latest in performance upgrades while Ricci Concept has won national Audi Driver awards for customer service every year since 2005.

“Having survived the worst of the recession we are now stronger than ever, marketing our services nationally, and looking forward to further growth.”