To do list: Wash dirty really filthy car! I’ve been holding off getting the car washed with this icky weather and this week it had reached the point where it had to be done ASAP.

I discovered there are quite a few car washes and valeting companies to choose from at the moment. The hand wash option seems to have taken over from the once popular drive in automatic car wash with giant yellow whips bashing your car. A personal touch is preferred now and more importantly it provides an income for local guys instead of paying a big machine to do the job.

I was a bit spoilt for choice. Then, thankfully a friend recommended JB Valeting of Redditch so the little motor was in for a rare treat.

I found JB Valeting on Facebook and could tell he had a passion for cars. Good start. Offering a reliable and affordable mobile car valeting and detailing service; it sounded just what my motor deserved after being neglected for so long over the cold winter. I called his mobile; 07411 779255 and booked in for the mini valet costing £35. He emailed me later with a breakdown of the service jbvaleting@hotmail.co.uk. He was really helpful and friendly.

I live in the top floor flat so it was easier to do my valet from his house; slightly irregular (sorry Jamie). We had a chat about the people we knew in common which is the great thing about using a small local business and somehow makes you feel you’re in safe hands.Redditch Advertiser:

Jamie Blackford started up JB Valeting just over 12 months ago. At first he worked from home at the weekend and in his spare time around his job. He’s got a neat mobile business in his van and can travel to his customers to do the job, handy if you’re busy, at work or have a fleet of company vehicles needing a valet. The unique service Jamie explained ‘is the use of the paintwork friendly washing method. Most car valeters don’t use this method as it takes a little longer to carry out.’ Perfect for car sales companies or for anyone’s pride and joy I thought.

His main challenges are ‘generating a regular customer base, competing against the numerous hand car washes and working against the great British weather’. He was inspired to work for himself having a desire to earn a living from something he enjoys doing.

I asked: ‘What do you love about running your own business Jamie?’ He replied: ‘Being able to work the hours that suit me, ensuring everything is completed to my own standards.’ I went off to do a couple of errands and when he’d finished a couple of hours later, I hardly recognised the gleaming beauty. She came back, smelling and looking good, so I took her for a show off spin around Redditch before I get her dirty again ...Boom!

JB Valeting recommends; Peter Randle Grinding and son Ltd, Steve’s Auto’s and Arden Café as his local business choices.

Feel free to comment or recommend.