The Team
Car and Commercial Services was established in 1990 by husband and wife team Ian and Jane Lake. The decision to open an independent garage came when they both realised the need for a comprehensive garage that could cope with all your servicing and repair needs. With Ian’s background in both the commercial and private garages, they knew they could provide the sort of service that they would expect.
Since then they have grown the business from a small independent garage to a well established and highly trusted local garage. During the growth process they have been able to keep the ‘Family Run Business’ ethic alive and with the other members of the team, are still able to offer the highest levels of service to all customers.
IAN LAKE - Proprietor, Senior Technician & MOT Tester
Ian finished school at the age of 16 and immediately began an apprenticeship with Volvo Trucks through Exeter College. Ian feels his time with Volvo taught him not only the importance of 6 years later he had achieved his goal of completing a HNC in motor vehicle technology. Following his achievements, at the age of 22, Ian was head hunted for the Job of Service Manager at the Citroen Car Dealership in Torquay. From there his career took off, spending several years running the Citroen Franchise and later being offered the chance to become after sales manager for Vauxhall. Ian’s time with Vauxhall involved a large amount of customer care as well as diagnostics. He was later involved with setting up and running the new Vauxhall Dealership in Honiton.
In 1990 Ian and Jane made the decision to open their own garage/workshop and thanks to their enthusiasm and commitment to customer care, they now own one of the larger independent garages in Exmouth. In the last 30 years Ian has achieved many qualifications including: Motor Vehicle Technician Levels 1,2 & 3. Motor Vehicle Diagnostics Levels 1,2 & 3. Commercial Vehicle Technician Level 3. Technicians Distinction. National Craftsman Certificate HNC. Auto Electrician. Air Conditioning Specialist. Vehicle Diagnostics Specialist. Vehicle Transmissions Specialist. Computer Aided Vehicle Diagnostics. VOSA MOT Tester, VOSA MOT Management.
JANE LAKE - Accounts Manager
Jane is likely to be the first friendly face you meet when you arrive at reception. She has worked with Ian to establish the company since they began in 1990. Jane’s main role dealing with every day admin and accounts as well as ensuring that the highest levels of customer service are offered to all customers.
AARON SHERMAN (FRANK) - Senior Technician and MOT Tester
Aaron, known in the workshop as Frank, joined Ian and Jane as an apprentice when he left school in 2001. 3 years later in 2004 Frank qualified as a fully trained Vehicle Technician and since then has developed a vast knowledge of all aspects of vehicle maintenance and servicing. In 2010 he was also certified by VOSA to become one of the teams fully licensed MOT testers. Franks other qualifications include
JAMES ATKINSON
James joined the Team in 2007 as an apprentice. Since then James qualified as a fully trained Vehicle Technician at Exeter College. Since starting in 2007 James has shown a keen interest in continuing to gain the skills and qualifications available to him.
MATT BLOWER
Matt joined the team in early 2011 to assist Ian and Jane with the running of the office and admin. His main roles include ordering of parts, communicating with customers and time planning. You will often find Matt answering the phone and he will always do his best to help you with your requirements.
CHARLIE CHERRY
Charlie joined the team in July 2011 as a full time MOT Tester based in our brand new on site MOT bay. Charlie’s automotive knowledge began during his 22 year military service as a Tank Driving and Maintenance Instructor. Following his time in the Army, Charlie retained as a computer technician before returning to mechanical technology.
KYLE HARRIS
Kyle joined the team in August 2010 as a general apprentice. A year later, in September 2011, he enrolled on an advanced modern apprenticeship course at Exeter College. Following his confident start in the workshop, Kyle and the rest of the team are all very excited about what his future with the motor industry will bring.
POPPY THE DOG