Sidmouth sees big gains for motorists through local family’s ongoing investment

The owners of Slade & Sons Ltd have purchased Sidmouth Garage and moved it into their Salcombe Road premises combining two skilled teams of mechanics to create an expanded new service for motorists in East Devon.

The Belcher family, which has had ties to Sidmouth for over 30 years, has made several significant investments in the town over the years. They purchased Slade & Sons in 1994, Woolbrook Garage in 1998 and provided a Ford Authorised Service Centre for 26 years. Sidmouth Garage was acquired in August 2024, with the increased benefit of servicing all makes of vehicles. The company will now trade as ‘Sidmouth Garage incorporating Slade & Sons’. Speaking on behalf of the family, Director, Perry Belcher said, “We are pleased to have bought Sidmouth Garage from Nigel Hillier who is well known for providing excellent automotive service and together with Slade & Sons we will continue to build on our trusted reputation of more than 70 years of supporting East Devon motorists.”

Phillip Hancock who is the service manager for Sidmouth Garage – Slade and Sons said the acquisition would provide significant gains for motorists. “By bringing our teams together, we’re able to give even better service to our customers in providing MOTs, services, repairs and tyres. Plus, we have the specialist diagnostic equipment to work on all vehicles including hybrids.”

To ensure a seamless transition for customers, three key mechanics from the original Sidmouth Garage – John, Richard and Spencer have joined the Salcombe Road team. They bring decades of experience, complementing the existing Slade & Sons staff, including mechanic, Peter. Together, they form a unified team ready to serve old and new customers as well as fleet clients like Fords South West, a local plumbing and electrical company with several vehicles that need regular maintenance.

“While the location of the old Sidmouth Garage has changed, the same trusted service remains!” says John who has serviced all types of vehicles for 24 years. “We’ve just moved across the road and are still the same mechanics. Our quality hasn’t changed and, in fact, we can now offer much more!”

Peter, a mechanic who has been with Slade and Son for five years, added: “I’ve worked on cars since school especially Ford vehicles. With the new team joining us, there’s a great atmosphere in the workshop. It’s exciting to see us grow and bring more expertise under one roof.”

The company is now working on a full rebrand, with updated signage, a new website and a refreshed visual identity. The Sidmouth Garage – Slade & Sons rebrand aims to reflect the unified strengths of the business while maintaining the trust and familiarity customers associate with a long history of serving the town.

“We’re excited to embrace the name, Sidmouth Garage – Slade & Sons moving forward,” said Perry Belcher. “We’ve been known by various names due to our acquisitions and our new branding will bring clarity. I have no doubt we will continue to be the ‘go-to service centre’ for all makes and models for clients in Sidmouth and surrounding towns like Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary and Seaton.”

To celebrate this exciting transition, Sidmouth Garage – Slade & Sons invites all local motorists to visit the Salcombe Road premises to find out more about the services available. The company has a special offer throughout February, offering half-price MOTs. See sidmouthgarage.co.uk for details.

“Whether you’re a long-time customer or a new face, our team is ready to welcome you,” says Phillip Hancock.

For more information, visit sidmouthgarage.co.uk or contact Phillip Hancock on 01395 516660 / email service@sidmouthgarage.co.uk.