Auto company has drive to succeed

Shark Performance, which specialised in tuning European cars, was created by Ben Wardle in 2009 after he left his previous IT engineer role to focus his time on improving the performance of cars, by remapping engines. Ben has been shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year title at the FSB WorldPay national small business awards, as well as being named as the overall regional winner in the East Midlands.

The firm has been awarded £500 and will now compete against 46 other businesses from across the UK in a glamorous final in London, where they will have the chance to win up to £10,000. More than 950 businesses entered the awards this year.

Ben Wardle, Managing Director of Shark Performance Ltd comments: “When I launched the business full times the first six months were definitely the hardest.

“The specialist service that we offer means that all of our business comes through word of mouth recommendations, so it took a good few months to establish a consistent customer base.

However, as soon as I could move into a new premise, things definitely picked up speed! People began travelling from all over the country to have their cars enhanced by my company – it’s incredible!

“Five years on and we’ve received a great deal of recognition from leading trade publications. We were awarded the best stand at the Performance Car Show at Auto Sport International last year, which really shows how far we’ve come in.

“This is the first award of this kind that I’ve ever entered and to be shortlisted for the national final is unbelievable.”

Having always had a passion for the automotive industry Ben started dabbling in increasing the performance of cars back in 2004, but it was only when Audi claimed they couldn’t fix a problem with his own car that he decided to prove them wrong! Ben began his business in 2009 working on cars at the bottom of his driveway, but he quickly obtained his first premises within a matter of months.

Ben Wardle, Managing Director of Shark Performance Ltd comments: “When I launched the business full times the first six months were definitely the hardest. The specialist service that we offer means that all of our business comes through word of mouth recommendations, so it took a good few months to establish a consistent customer base. However, as soon as I could move into a new premise, things definitely picked up speed! People began travelling from all over the country to have their cars enhanced by my company – it’s incredible!

“Five years on and we’ve received a great deal of recognition from leading trade publications. We were awarded the best stand at the Performance Car Show at Auto Sport International last year, which really shows how far we’ve come in just a short space of time.

“The business strives to deliver only the best product and service in the market, with accurate claims and the development to back them up. We currently have six people working for us in different capacities and the business continues to go from strength to strength, with dealers across the UK, Europe and Worldwide.”

Shark Performance prides itself on offering honest advice at a fair price, which means that its customers feel reassured by the service received. Ben continues: “It’s all about the customers. When I read a positive review, that’s what it’s all about – making the customer happy. People aren’t often told all of the information when they go to franchised garages, but that’s why we’re completely different – we pride ourselves on giving an honest answer.”

When asked about being named as the best small business in East Midlands, Wardle said: “Being recognised for an award is great! I’m an FSB member and a customer of WorldPay so when I was invited to enter the awards, I thought why not! This is the first award of this kind that I’ve ever entered and to be shortlisted for the national final is unbelievable.”

Colin Willman, Chairman FSB (Member Services) Ltd, said: “The FSB WorldPay UK Business Awards are designed to raise the profile of small businesses across the UK and to highlight the crucial role they play in supporting the economy. We’ve had a high number of top quality entries this year and it’s a great achievement for Shark Performance to have been selected as the overall winner for their area”.

Ron Kalifa, Deputy Chairman of WorldPay said, “For too long small businesses were struggling through recession, hit hard by a consumer spending dip and financial pressures. Shark Performance has weathered the storm by adapting to new markets and driving innovation – their fighting spirit is at the heart of economic recovery. WorldPay is proud to recognise and reward these entrepreneurs”.

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