14/10/2026
THE END OF AN ERA… ❤️
Some decisions in life are far from easy, and this is certainly one of them.
After a great deal of thought, consideration and planning over the past year or so, I’ve made the difficult decision that, at the end of November, it’s time to close the doors on JSL Vehicle Repair Centre.
This hasn’t been a decision taken lightly. There have been many hours spent weighing up the pros and cons, considering what’s right for me personally, what’s right for the future of the business, and ultimately, the best way to move forward into the next chapter of my life.
I established JSL in February 2001, and when you’ve invested so many years of hard work, dedication and passion into building something, walking away from it is never easy. But sometimes you have to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and recognise when the time is right for a new direction.
And so, after a lot of soul-searching, that time has come.
JSL has been far more than just a job. It’s been a huge part of my life, built on hard work, dedication, pride in my trade and, most importantly, the people who have been part of the journey.
First and foremost, I want to thank every customer who has supported JSL over the years. Whether you’ve been with me from the early days or have only recently entrusted me with your vehicle, your support, loyalty and recommendations have helped make JSL what it is today. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
To all the members of staff I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside throughout the years, thank you. Some of you have been among the best people and finest tradesmen I’ve had the privilege of knowing within the motor trade. Your hard work, skill, commitment and friendship have helped build the reputation JSL has earned.
I certainly haven’t done it alone. The standards we’ve maintained and the work we’ve produced have been a team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Winning MSL Legal Expenses Bodyshop of the Year twice, 2018 then 2020, along with a runner-up finisher in 2015 - out of 80 plus bodyshops nationwide, is something I’ll always look back on with pride. Those achievements belong to everyone who played their part in making JSL what it became.
Every person who has worked alongside me has contributed something, not just to the business, but to the tradesman and person I am today. For that, I’m genuinely thankful.
But this isn’t goodbye to the motor trade. Far from it.
As one chapter closes, another begins.
Throughout December, I’ll be making the transition over to Preston Farm Body & Paint in Stockton, with the intention of eventually taking the helm of the bodyshop.
It’s a new location and a new name, but the same person, the same passion for the job and the same commitment to producing high quality workmanship.
What makes this next chapter particularly special is that I’ll be working alongside a lifelong friend and the man who first taught me my trade when I started my apprenticeship at BMW at just 16 years old. As he begins his well-earned retirement, I’ll be stepping into the next stage of my career.
And in a way, it feels like life has come full circle.
“Back to where it all began… Preston Farm. The teacher and the student. 🤗❤️”
I’ve spent a lifetime learning my trade, developing my skills and working with some fantastic people. Now I get the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned into a new chapter, with fresh challenges and plenty more to look forward to.
To everyone who has been part of the JSL journey — customers, staff, friends, suppliers and everyone who has supported us along the way — thank you. You’ve all played a part in the story, and I won’t forget that.
JSL may be coming to an end, but the knowledge, friendships, memories and reputation we’ve built over the years will stay with me.
Here’s to the next chapter, new beginnings, old friendships and a few more years doing what I love.
Same trade. Same standards. Same passion. Just a new chapter.
Thank you for everything.
John Wilson ❤️
