Cole’s AutoTech has officially opened its doors at the former Crown Street Garage in Stone, and its ramps are ready for local residents.
Led by Nicholas Cole and Matt Faizey, with a supporting team including master technician Andy and administrative assistant Donna, this new auto venture aims to offer much more than just routine car maintenance.
A Journey from AA to AutoTech
The story behind Cole’s AutoTech starts with a turn of fate. Nick Cole, the driving force behind the new business, had worked for ‘AA’ in Stafford for fifteen years before the company faced tough times and ultimately had to close. Enter Matt Faizey — a loyal customer, racing driver, and now the key investor behind the venture. After seeing the talent Nick brought to his previous role, Matt offered to back him to start his own business. Nick took the opportunity with both hands, and Cole’s AutoTech was born.
“It was fantastic to have the backing and to finally have a chance to do things my way,” Nick explains, reflecting on the decision to take the plunge into business ownership.
Why Stone?
Choosing Stone as their business location was no accident. The Crown Street Garage appealed not just for its practical benefits, but also for its charming location. Matt Faizey, who has a long-standing love of canal-side properties, was immediately captivated by the picturesque canal wharf and the potential of the site.
“When I first visited Stone to check out the garage, I thought to myself, ‘this is bloody lovely!’” says Matt. “It’s rare to find a place where every member of our refurbishment team agreed they’d happily live here. It says a lot about Stone as a place.”
With visible new developments and fresh investment coming into the area, Stone seemed like the ideal community to grow within. The strategic location, including easy access from Junction 14, makes Cole’s AutoTech well-placed for both local residents and customers from farther afield.
A Full-Throttle Offering
Cole’s AutoTech is set to stand out from the crowd with an impressive range of services. From routine vehicle servicing and maintenance to highly specialised services like custom exhaust builds, race car modifications, and driver training, the team is revving up to cater to both regular motorists and motorsport enthusiasts. They even have their own race team!
Their offering includes:
- Routine servicing and maintenance for vehicles (excluding full electric cars and those over 8ft tall)
- Comprehensive diagnostics and repairs
- Exhaust repairs and custom exhaust builds
- Vehicle re-mapping and tuning
- Race car builds, roll cage fabrication, and custom metalwork
- Driver training and track coaching
“We’re pretty much the only garage in Stone offering all of this,” Nick says with a smile. Whether you’re a local resident needing routine work or a racing aficionado looking to enhance your vehicle, Cole’s AutoTech promises a one-stop shop.
Plans and Opportunities
Cole’s AutoTech is already making plans for community involvement and local events, with an eye on assisting in any activities Stone has to offer. And if you’re in the market for a new career opportunity, they’re currently on the lookout for an apprentice mechanic to join their growing team.
“We want to grow with Stone,” adds Matt. “We’re here to become part of the fabric of the town, not just to provide a service.”
How to Get in Touch
The garage is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional Saturdays. You can find Cole’s AutoTech online at www.colesautotech.com or by searching for “Coles AutoTech” on Facebook. Whether you’re looking for a standard service or something a little more bespoke, the team at Cole’s AutoTech are ready to welcome customers old and new.
