A healthy interest in the motoring trade

Sep 5 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A HEALTH entrepreneur plans to expand his business empire after buying a former Co-op bank building and moving into the motor trade.

Former mental health nurse David Johnson has purchased Consett car parts business Tip Top (Plant and Industrial) for an undisclosed sum.

He has also secured its premises in a four storey ex-Co-op building as part of the deal and plans to refurbish a number of its facilities, including a brand new packing bay and an extended showroom.

Tip Top, which will become known as Geared 4 under the new management, will sit alongside Mr Johnson’s home help company 360 Healthcare Ltd, which he plans to bring into the same building. Mr Johnson set up 360 in 2001 after being made redundant from his nursing position in County Durham and now works with Gateshead Council and Durham County Council to provide day care services for people struggling with illness or injury.

He bought Tip Top from William Hayley who is retiring at the age of 78.

Mr Johnson said: “There is a lot of talent at Tip Top and we are looking forward to using the space we have to grow the business.”

He is also considering approaching the local council to convert the building’s remaining two floors into spacious apartments.