The-Detailing-Centre

As an extremely shy kid I sat in my bedroom most of the time building and making models, then progressed to home garage building cycles and then motorbikes and then cars. Always had a passion for anything automotive, but from a very young age it became apparent that I enjoy designing and building cycles, bikes, and cars more than actually using them… I would say (and others would agree, 100%), tha

t the way my mind works is down to a genetic/natural condition, and this has led me to the interests and skills I have invested my time in throughout my whole life. Excelled at school in practical topics – top in the whole year for metalwork and woodworking. Very good in physical education classes. Purchased my first car (Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce) before I had licence to drive, and started modifying and restoring it. Worked part time (while attending college) at a motor vehicle store (which specialised in cleaning and detailing products) at the age of 16. Step-grandfather owned and ran a Rolls Royce Bentley specialist garage with a formidable reputation, known as the ONLY place to go to among owners
Step-father trained as a painter, which is where my interest started for paintwork. As soon as I could, I stripped down my BMX bike and painted it in a different colour scheme, followed by months altering and upgrading the entire bike for performance. Helped out as much as I could with my stepfather’s and step-grandfather’s garage. College / young adult
Moved to a city area at the age of 18
Attended Maidstone and Mid-Kent College gaining First qualifications in 1988-89, covering:
Engineering fundamentals
Science
IT studies
Engineering drawing
Microelectronic systems
Metals technology
Analytical mathematics
Manufacturing technology

Delphi Diesel Systems (global company) apprenticeship – 4 years, starting in 1990
Production line operator. Time and motion studies for production through put. MTD / Machine tool development (building machinery)
WED / Works engineers dept. (mechanical, electrical repairs)


Further studies:
HND 1990-1992 (Higher National Diploma) Physical science, Maths, Engineering drawing, Engineering science, Analytical mathematics, Manufacturing technology, Algebra, Workshop processes and materials, Engineering fundamentals, Mechanical engineering, Calculus , Engineering application of computers, Engineering design, Statistics

Earned ‘Distinction’ in Fundamentals of Pneumatics and Hydraulics and CNC machining (computer numerical control)

Additional qualifications:
Certificate of achievement
GEA - General Engineering Appreciations
SEA1 - Mechanical Engineering Applications
GTACON- Control Techniques
GTAMNP- Manufacturing Practice
T027 - Technician training in Maintenance Engineering
NVQ level 3 - Engineering Manufacture


Delphi Fulltime role after completing the apprenticeship - 16 years
WED works engineers dept, (breakdown, maintenance and repairs of all machinery and plant in a 2000+ staff factory)
R&D (Research and Development) test engineer for prototype engines and diesel injection systems
Chassis dyno and climatic chamber (-40 deg C testing) R&D engineer on prototype engines and vehicles for government testing and OEM. My biological father ran a large specialist (25 staff) body shop and mechanical garage for 35 years; his business has painted trains, boats, trucks, stage set back drops for theatres, and of course cars (including covering insurance approved repair work and mechanical warranty work). I worked at my father’s garage for 3 years after leaving Delphi, helping run his business. Grew dissatisfied with some of the principles of body-shop work when I knew that things could be done so much better, as I was doing on my own projects…. KDS Keltec
Founded 2008 www.kdskeltec.co.uk
Self-funded, started on my own as a sole-trader, fully organic growth since day 1 with zero external investment. Spent years literally working myself to the limit and beyond, to manage demand and grow a reputation. Often stayed past 01:00 and slept at the workshop to keep on track. Eventually needed to take on additional team members – currently KDS Keltec employs five people plus myself, with well over 100 years’ experience between us of working on cars. Usually, but not always, I go home before 23:00 these days…
Teaching detailers since 2011 on group days and one to one courses (500 pupils in group days and one to one I’m up to 141 pupils). Built personal show cars featured in magazines and hard back books. Restored various vehicles to show winning standards. Personal projects have included:
TVR Chimaera 500, TVR Tuscan, ex- Jeremy Clarkson Ferrari 355, BMW E46 M3, Lancia Delta Integrale (multiple), Lancia Delta Evolution, Vauxhall Nova GTE, VW Caddy van, Lamborginhi Gallardo Performante. Attended ‘Waxstock’ detailing shows since the beginning, including on-stage tuition, demonstrations, and personal ‘break-out room’ training sessions

Stage demo slots with Mike Philips, Jason Rose. Taught detailers from around the world including, USA, Australia, Romania, Portugal, Taiwan, Belgium, Dubai, Qatar, Finland, Ireland, Scotland ,Latvia, Wales, Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Czech Republic…. Recent accomplishments
Appointed Global Brand Ambasssador (focussing on European region) for Lake Country Manufacturing and LC Power Tools

Gtechniq Authorised Detailer programme 13/08/11, with a long history of working to help develop their range since inception through our in-house testing of sample/prototype products
Suntek PPF training course
Xpel Factory trained March 2016
KDS Keltec self-designed, self-funded and self-built a second floor in our HQ to increase working capacity, without ever shutting down operations. Space now upstairs for up to an additional 5 cars, with ramps for lifting cars up on the second floor, clean-zone for PPF etc…

KDS Keltec formally changed to KDS Keltec Ltd in 2016 after the business had grown past a sole-trader status. In the last 12 years KDS has detailed well over 2600 vehicles. I decided to close down KDS Keltec and streamline the amount work I processed in the dream of a new venture in the detailing business WATCH THIS SPACE. Hobbies
Mountain biking
Anything cars, the more unusual the better
Watching movies. Enjoy the odd game or two on a good FPS (mostly Battlefield on PS4)