OPINION
Nick's cock-a-hoop over a new asset for classic fans
Just when you thought there was now nothing to see in Derby following the desecration of two great tourist attractions, out of the blue comes news of surely the most significant new facility for the classic car movement since Bicester Heritage. The hairs on the back of my neck rose like sentries when Shaun Matthews, the man behind Great Northern Classics unveiled his plans.
Except they are not just plans. As you'll have read in PC last month, this venture is being backed with a £1.25m loan from Derby City Council. A former Rolls-Royce factory building and one time trolleybus depot is being transformed to become a one-stop shop for car restoration. Independently run businesses from bodyshop to trimmers will be on one site in an enterprise compared to TV’s Repair Shop programme.
Here, dog-eared family heirlooms such as grandad’s old string vest or (genuinely) a Salford Corporation tram seat are lovingly restored by a team of experts before being returned to their grateful and often tearful owners.
Obviously, there are differences. Firstly you will have to pay at Great Northern Classics. But so much more is planned for the new venture which really has the potential to change lives for many young people in the years to come. It is in two halves; one a not for profit Community Interest Company that aims to train no less than 20 apprentices a year, who will be able to develop their classic restoration skills by working with the on-site businesses.
Negotiations with training companies are continuing and it’s hoped the first apprentices will begin in 2024. Shaun told me: ‘We are thrilled to finally have the keys to the building and start the transformation work.’
He has enjoyed a varied career in mouldings and other engineering, including being one of the big players in creating the Ford Sierra’s front bumper to being co-owner of the makers of Swarfega, Deb Group, and selling his stake to help fund Great Northern Classics, Shaun’s inspiration was spawned by a simple fact. ‘Every time I interviewed a skilled craftsman, they were no more than five years younger than me. The apprenticeship system was ruined in the Eighties.
