Yorkshire Automotive Projects

Neil

I am a proud Yorkshire man, being born in 1973 in York and having lived around Selby in North Yorkshire all of my life. I have two children from a previous marriage and live in a village local to YAP. 

My interest in everything automotive started at a very young age and stemmed from the fact that my Dad worked for the local Ford dealership and brought me the latest Ford car catalogue home every month, which was waited for with baited breath. Once I got my licence at 17, there was no stopping me. I got my first car, a 1979 Mini 1000, which I went on to put wider wheels on, a louder exhaust and the usual other goodies that young drivers did in the early 90's. This became my main hobby, even through the years that I studied towards my FCCA qualification to become a certified chartered Accountant. I built kit cars, motorbikes and modified and maintained all of my own vehicles for over 30 years, becoming a very proficient automotive engineer.

Throughout my career I worked for many large corporations, including Pendragon Plc. and Alliance Automotive Group. However in 2021, following the fourth redundancy scare of my corporate career, I thought a change was needed and approached Tony about starting an automotive business, which was where YAP Ltd was conceived.

So now a hobby has turned into a job and my previous guise as an Accountant also helps keep the business running as the finances can be kept in house.

When not at YAP I enjoy walking my dog, Neo, a heathy social life with friends, radio controlled cars, my project 'Minibusa', watching film and TV, watching live sports, specifically motor sports and rugby union and general tinkering in my garage at home. I also facilitate at 'Andy's Man Club Selby' on a Monday, which a great charity for men with issues, who find it hard to open up about them.

Tony

I was born and bred in the Selby area and currently live with my fiancée in the neighbouring village.

After leaving school I completed an apprenticeship, to City & Guild standard, in motor vehicle studies. I served my apprenticeship at M.A.R.C. in Selby and remained there for 5 years.

To enhance my career as a welder I joined Ratcliffe Tail Lifts in Garforth for a further 6 years. This was followed by joining Senior Thermal Engineering and then Mitsu Babcock, later named Doosan Babcock.

At Doosan Babcock I pursued a career as a coded welder working on power stations, oil refineries and new power station builds across the country. I remained there for 20 years.

During this time my passion remained for cars. I enjoy working on friends and families vehicles in my spare time, including a full restoration on a Simca 1000GLS and my BMW E30 325i.

After being approached by Neil, YAP was formed, allowing me to continue my passion for cars, but as a business.

I have many interests including socialising, target shooting, motorsport and most sports, including rugby.