An ANDOVER businessman has opened a new motor trade repair centre this week.

Director of I M Accident Repair Centre, John Mihalache, 38, from Viking Way, has expanded his small business that started Whitchurch four years ago to a bigger site on Portway West Business Park, which lies on the western outskirts of Andover, next to the A303 dual carriageway.

The small firm deals with anyone’s car accident repair requirements from the smallest scratch to a badly damaged vehicle.

John’s team of five have operated within the motor trade industry for more than 12 years.

The father-of-two showed his workshop to family and friends after painting the walls, redoing the floors, and decking the site out with a new office and reception.

The 38-year-old told the Advertiser: “It has been my dream since I was a teenager to have my own business.

“I grew up in an environment with cars, and my parents were involved in the trade, and I spent many hours working with my dad, who was a car engineer.

“I am very passionate about what I do, and it doesn’t feel like work.

“The silent project is like a jigsaw, and when you solve it, you feel a big sense of achievement.

“Someone comes in with their pride a joy and you put those pieces of the jigsaw together and come up with a nice, finished product.”

John said his team use their “skills, efficiency, knowledge and hard work” to give customers what they want.

“We have a lot of experience in the trade and adapt quickly to the environment.

“We are all fully trained and know exactly what to do with people’s cars.

“I find so much pleasure in what I am doing,” he said.