AN enterprise set up to link drivers with trustworthy local garages and mechanics to find the best deal has pulled in more than 2,600 tradesmen and even more motorists.

The Whocanfixmycar.com website was set up by former investment banker Ian Griffiths last year. He returned home to Morpeth and decided to turn his passion for cars into a career after eight years working in the fixed income securities markets.

The website works by drivers posting a job for free, then interested garages and mechanics provide a quote. The customer can review the quotes, read other users’ feedback and chose the deal they want to go with.

Mr Griffiths said: “We’ve found that it’s a win-win situation, because mechanics find more business, and drivers are put in touch with a reliable, cost-effective mechanic in their area who they can go back to time and time again.

“I’ve found the experience to be a very rewarding one and I’m looking forward to seeing the site grow further in 2012.”

Mobile business On Call Mechanics won five jobs and received 100% feedback in two months after joining the site.

Owner Simon O’Connor said: “It’s not easy for anybody at the moment, and we thought it was time to be more resourceful by increasing our online promotion.

“When we came across whocanfix mycar.com we liked the concept, and the freedom to pick and choose the jobs you want.