Family-run garage expands in drive to meet rising demand

12 February 2026  

North Yorkshire independent garage Sherburn Rubber & MOT Centre is expanding to keep pace with rising demand – adding three new ramps and creating new jobs.

The garage, part of the 1TEC Auto Hub network, has enjoyed a period of rapid growth over the past 18 months, building a team of seven technicians with three new hires over the period and welcomed a record number of new customers.

Located in Sherburn-in-Elmet, the garage has served its local community for more than 30 years, having recently developed its offering to provide full servicing, diagnostics and repair work – alongside MOT testing and tyres.

The garage credits much of its growth to joining 1TEC Auto Hub, the national garage network backed by LKQ Euro Car Parts. The 1TEC Auto Hub programme gives independents access to training, tools, and peer support that help them compete with the big names.

Since joining the network, the garage has introduced a new management system to streamline operations and launched a new website to make booking easier for customers. It has also completed extensive training in EV servicing, diagnostics and garage management through the LKQ Academy to future-proof the team’s skills and lay the foundation for further growth.

Modernised

Dale Teal, co-owner at Sherburn Rubber, said: “Our aim has always been to grow – not just in size, but in the way we work and the service we offer. When I joined the business six years ago, we were a small team focused mainly on tyres and MOTs. We’ve worked hard to modernise, bring in new systems and broaden what we do, and it’s been great to see this effort turn into real growth.

“A big moment for us came when we went to the 1TEC Auto Hub open day. We came home with so many ideas about how we could grow the business while strengthening our service to customers. Our aim now is to keep building on what we’ve started.”

Louise Davies, head of concepts at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “Sherburn Rubber’s story sums up what 1TEC Auto Hub was built to do — to give independent garages the confidence and capability to grow sustainably, deliver excellent service, and future-proof their business for the next generation of vehicles.”

Launched in 2023 by LKQ Euro Car Parts in partnership with MPM Oil, Pagid, Schaeffler, Shell, Valeo, VARTA and ZF Aftermarket, 1TEC Auto Hub supports independent garages in building stronger, future-ready businesses.

The network, which has more than 450 member garages strong across the UK and Ireland, offers hands-on business support, access to the LKQ Academy, and technical solutions such as remote diagnostic support.