Ray Clements MIMI, Chairman
Aged 12 I washed cars on Saturdays at Baldwins lane Service Station for pocket money. When I left school in 1959 I started working as a trainee mechanic at the Service Station as my father was the manager. Then in 1961 I went to work as a trainee vehicle electrician at Joseph Lucas Service Department in Great Hampton street, Birmingham. This experience along with the education I received from Hall Green and Handsworth Technical Colleges set the ground work for my future. Aged twenty I was asked to go to work for the local Rover Specialist as a mechanical and electrical technician. As a hobby and a break from the business I also started to practice Wado Ryu Karate. (Which I was to continue doing for the next thirty years, achieving the black belt grade of 4th Dan.)
In 1966 my father and I became partners and took over the tenancy of Baldwins Lane Service Station. My father looked after the petrol sales and I was the mechanic. I have been an MOT tester since 1964 and have numerous technical qualifications. I was married to my late wife Barbara in 1969 and had two children David and Emma. My father retired in 1974 so I ran the garage as a sole trader until 1979. In 1980 my wife, Barbara, and I became business partners and purchased the property from Shell. Following her death in 2000 we changed to a LTD company, my daughter Emma and I being the directors.
Over the years I have attended numerous courses to maintain a good knowledge of the modern car. I have been a member of the Institute of the Motor industry since 1966 and as such have conducted my business ethics to a high standard. Now seventy I still spend time at the garage but rarely lift a spanner. The garage is a very important part of me and I assist Emma and her husband John and all the mechanics to try and maintain a quality trustworthy business.
Working alongside Ray is his daughter Emma and son-in-law John. One of them is sure to greet you at reception.
Emma Linehan, Director
Daughter to Ray Clements, I have been a part of the family business for as long as I can remember. I have enjoyed being hands on and helping out since the age of 12, and officially took over the accounts position from my late mother Barbara at the age of 17. My mother taught me the manual double book entry accounts , but thanks to technology and training courses I am now qualified to Sage standards and work from a PC nowadays. I became Director of the company along with my father in 2000. To continue the family involvement, my husband John joined the company as Assistant Manger (2007) so as my father could semi retire. Our eldest son Adam is also actively involved in the company helping out on Saturday mornings.
Outside of work, together both John and I ran a successful youth football team for over 7 years, and won several awards. It was hard work and demanding at times , but very rewarding. Due to involvement in the team and the company, we have become quite well known in the local community and have made many friends who are now regular customers. I consider myself to be a people person and love to socialise with family and friends. Family time is important and is often spent watching movies, days out, nice meals and trips to Villa park together.
I am very proud to be a part of Baldwins Lane Garage. Our loyal customers are a valuable part of our success and their recommendations will and do keep our service to the community growing.
John Linehan, Manager
I joined my wife Emma and father-in-law Ray at Baldwins Lane Garage in 2007 , as assistant manager. I am the first port of call for our customers and do my upmost best to make sure they are well looked after and treated fairly and honestly.
I came to the company at the age of 33 with a long history of engineering under my belt. At the age of 17 I gained C&G levels 1+2 in engineering and electrics and NVQ level 2 in engineering. I have worked on single spindle/ multi-spindle , CNC machinery and furnaces making parts from mobile phones, aeroplanes to printers and car parts, I was given the title of team leader. At the latter end of my engineering career I was made a QC technician, and travelled all over the country dealing with customer issues.
In my spare time I enjoy football and have achieved FA level 1+2 coaching award. I ran a youth football team Wychall Wanderers from age under 11 to under 16’s then a young adults team for 2 years . With both teams we had great success winning many tournaments locally, and as far as Clacton and Weymouth. Running the teams has given me great experience in organisation and getting the best performance out of people, which I hope shows amongst our staff here at Baldwins Lane Garage.
Sean Hopkins, Mechanic
I joined the company part time at the age 16 washing cars, in 2011 I progressed to MOT assistant; and became an apprentice mechanic in 2012.
In 2016 , I achieved my level 3 mechanic status and became ATA accredited. A year later I passed my M.O.T tester course.
I have progressed really well here at Baldwins Garage , I am surrounded by a great team of people, who encourage us all to be the best that we can, and are always making sure our training is up to date.
The motor industry is changing all the time, and I am excited for the future, especially being prepared for the hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Last year I was lucky enough to successfully complete the IMI electric/Hybrid vehicle system & repair courses through levels 1-3, I look forward to putting this training in to action.
I have a keen interest in football and play 5-aside matches every week.
