RSD was set up back in 1997 when I decided that I had had enough of
chasing rally cars around the world, working in all weathers for VW
Motorsport. Spending most of the year away from home, stuck
between airports, service stops and hotels, meant I couldn't devote the
amount of time I wanted to my daughters.
To stay within the world of rallying, I set up RSD where I started by
preparing the recce cars for VW and SEAT. I developed the F2 Ibiza
replica rally car for road use - this was featured at the 1998 London
Motorshow. We still produce the body kit for the F2 Ibiza.
At the end of 1999, RSD won the sole importer rights for Oettinger
Performance GmbH into the UK and Ireland. At the same time, we also
became sole UK and Irish importer for Projektzwo. This meant that
we had a strong hold on the Germany body styling market in the British
Isles.
In the summer of 2001, we widened our horizons further and took on
sole importership for leading Belgian Styling House, Caractère.
This means that we can now offer a very wide variety of styles to meet
virtually everyone's tastes.
In June 2003, RSD reformed as a new partnership... Back in
September 2000, a colleague at SEAT UK had requested that, as a favour,
I do a service on a car for a SEAT UK employee... Some might say I was
tempting fate! I serviced her car, we got on, she started spending
time helping me with the Customer Service/Sales side of the business...
In June, Trish became my business partner and in October 2003, she
became my wife! One way of keeping a close eye on the partnership,
you might say!!!
In 2005 We were
approached by Milotec, a very well know styling house for Škoda products. We have just started to supply their products, but please be a
little patient whilst we get our stock level up and running.
Out in the workshops, Steve and Luke have approximately 30
years combined motorsport experience, ranging from Mitsubishi to classic
Porsches. Steve is a former VW Motorsport electrician and is an
absolute genius at solving those annoying little problems that no-one
else can fix! Earlier on this year Luke passed his apprenticeship
with distinctions and full credit to him, probably one of the nicest
genuine blokes you will ever meet!
Handling the "new
business development" and business sales is Alison Crockford, a
bubbly young lady who certainly knows her stuff! After starting with RSD
as the receptionist, Alison has built up her own customer contacts and
has passed all expectations with flying colours. She has proved to
be a star, and has now moved into the role of PA to Danny.
Our Direct Sales and Business Advisor is Sue Robson a young lady who
has just joined us. We wish her good luck in
the new role, please bear with her whilst she gets upto speed with all
the products etc.
The expansion of the business has
enabled us to introduce Audi & Volkswagen main dealer interest and
confidence. As you can see these are just a few of the vehicles left in our
hands ready for that gentle touch of styling.
At the start of
September 2006 another lovely lady Elaine Smith-Foreman joined RSD as our Receptionist/Sales Administrator,
Elaine will normally be the first person to answer your calls!!! We wish her
luck!
Also out on the roads we
have both Tom Harrison and Geoff Stoddart who help out meeting new trade
customers.
In October 2006 RSD
finally became o big for its premises! We've now taken on Unit 17
and hopefully by the end of the year All the mechanical work will be
done there too. Also our specialist development area has been set
up in the new unit, this is so we can move forward with our development
work, without anyone knowing what we're upto.
Finally, but not least
is our very own cheeky chappie Benjamin Thomson, this young lad came to
us through our connections with one of the local school on a two weeks
work experience course. By turning up late on his first day he had
a lot of ground to make up on. To be fair to him after stealing
the hearts of all of us, he asked if we would consider giving him a
Saturday job. How could we let this young bright lad go!
Thank you for your interest, I certainly hope we can be of service to
you or at least help to point you in the right direction.
Best regards,
Danny & Trish Whitrow.
