Shop Local: Great Totham car salesman opens independent dealership to be closer to family

A Great Totham man has found early success with his independent second-hand car sales business, offering affordable prices and quickly building a good reputation.

Steve Gill, founder of Gill's Motors Ltd in Staplers Heath, worked for car retailer Glyn Hopkin for seven years. During that time, he ran the Colchester branch as Sales Manager for four years.

However, in March this year, Steve quit and decided to build his own business from home. He wanted to spend more time with his partner, Gemma, and their five-year-old son.

"I'd lost enough years with my little boy," Steve told Nub News.

He says working at a large dealership often meant doing unsociable hours and losing precious time with his family. Missing "the small things" like picking his young son up from nursery pushed Steve to make a change.

"Enough is enough," Steve recalled.

"I'm going to leave, do it myself, and try to make up for lost time."

Now expecting another baby, Steve looks forward to being much closer to home.

"That was my main goal," he continued.

"It wasn't really to 'get rich quick' like a lot of car traders. It was more because I wanted to be with my family and be successful at the same time.

"You can make a lot of money from the main dealers, but you have to give them your life and soul."

Last month, Steve sold a friend's motorhome for £37,000 to a family in Little Clacton, who look forward to taking it on holiday. (Credit: Steve Gill)

Within the first six months of creating Gill's Motors, Steve turned over roughly £250,000. In that time, he has racked up 30 five-star reviews from satisfied customers.

Most of the cars on offer sell for less than £10,000, making them more affordable than traditional showroom dealerships.

Steve said: "My demographic is first-time buyers and people who want economical run-arounds to commute in. Since the pandemic and Cost of Living Crisis, people want cheap road tax and decent fuel economy.

"I don't offer finance, so I've got to keep the cars at a reasonable budget."

Affordability is an important value for Steve's business, which sources all its cars locally. Steve supports nearby Great Totham Garage by using them for all his MOTs and car servicing.

Steve has recently signed a sponsorship deal with Sandon Royals, a football team based in Sandon near Chelmsford. (Credit: Sandon Royals)

Currently, Steve holds up to six cars at a time but plans to expand his business with the addition of a showroom. He hopes to hold up to 40 cars in the near future.

Steve concluded: "I provide a local, reliable, and friendly service that delivers a reasonable price.

"I'm not here to rip anyone off, and all my cars are thoroughly checked by the local garage.

"Everything is well looked after at a fair price."

For more information, visit the Gill's Motors Facebook page or follow them on Instagram.

Gill's Motors is just one independent business Maldon Nub News is proud to partner with. Without community-minded supporters like Steve, Nub News would not be able to produce locally relevant, clickbait-free news for the Maldon District.