Mini man gets welcome boom

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 16th Oct 2003.

A TWENTY-year love affair with the Mini has resulted in a booming enterprise for Great Somerford's Peter Hines.

Mr Hines bought his first Mini when he was 17 and his affection for the cars led to the creation of Somerford Mini, which he set up in 1990.

The company employs six people full-time and one part-time.

The business restores Minis on commission as well as shipping Mini parts to the four corners of the globe.

Mr Hines said the Mini had always been popular, especially since the remake of The Italian Job.

He said: "Everybody recognises it and knows what it is. I admire their simplicity, and people can personalise them too."

Somerford Mini, at Broadfield Farm, stocks around 8,000 parts and restores around 15 to 20 Minis in a year. The business also has a shop and carries out Mini repairs.

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