The automotive industry is mourning the sad loss of Mick Whitehead, aged just 68.
Mick began his career as an apprentice mechanic before founding the M&M Group in 1980 with a single vehicle repair site in Stoke-on-Trent.
The business quickly flourished under his guidance and moved to an upgraded facility in 1990 before unveiling a second repair centre in nearby Leek in 1993.
To drive further growth, the M&M Group joined the Fix Auto UK network in 2009 – becoming M&M Fix Auto Stoke – and now employs around 100 people, repairing 100 vehicles every week, with 17 vehicle manufacturer approvals.
Racing accident
However, in 2017 Mick was involved in a serious motor racing accident while competing in the Caterham Graduates Sigmax racing series. The incident confined him to a wheelchair, but despite his injuries he returned to work in 2019 and in the autumn celebrated at the bodyshop Magazine awards when M&M Fix Auto Stoke collected the Special Recognition Award.
On receiving the accolade, Angela Henry, customer service director, said: “We’ve been fortunate enough to rub shoulders with Mick and his enthusiasm for the industry has rubbed off on us. A lot of people know Mick and the incident he had in 2017, but they should also know he built an £8m business with over 110 staff, and he worked really hard to achieve so much. This award is for him.”
Since news of his passing, messages of condolences have been shared widely across social media, underlining Mick’s respect and affection from within the industry.
‘A great friend’
Dave Willett, who joined the M&M Group as director in 1983 and worked alongside Mick for more than 40 years, said: “[Today] I lost a great friend, Mick Whitehead, my mentor, my buddy, owe you so much, Mick. Your fight and grit over the last few years are unsurpassed. Rest in peace, friend.”
Ruth Moring-Beale, director for strategy and growth at Morelli Group, said: “An inspiring man whose passion for this industry shone through at all levels. He will be sorely missed.”
Paul Glover, network manager, Stellantis multi-brand accident repair programme, said: “Very sad news to hear about Micks passing. Had some incredible times back in the day and will be reflecting upon them. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at the M&M Group at this difficult time.”
Paul Taylor, managing director, Taylors VRC, said: “So sad to here of Mick’s passing. I knew him for many years and what a true professional and gent he was. My thoughts go to all his family and close friends. It is a sad day when we lose such a great man.”
Paul Cunningham, commercial director at Fix Auto Dagenham, said: “I always spent quality time with Mick whenever we caught up, I remember especially when he showed me around the site in Stoke, we entered a room where his racing cars were stored and he lit up. A great passion for racing that he enjoyed immensely. You will be missed terribly.”
‘A heavy heart’
Meanwhile, Ian Pugh, group managing director, Fix Auto UK, said: “It is with a heavy heart that today, we’ve heard of the sad passing of our respected colleague and dear friend, Mick Whitehead.
“Mick was more than just a franchise partner. On a personal level, he was a long-held friend and confident who I have known since my early days as a field engineer. A true powerhouse of the industry who garnered so much respect for his no nonsense and straight talking approach. A true entrepreneur, with a vision to build an impressive portfolio of businesses at the heart of which were his bodyshops and his passion for the industry. I know when I say this, but Mick will truly be so sorely missed.
“He joined Fix Auto UK to support me and put the ‘Mick Whitehead’ industry name behind the network during those early days of mine. Like me, and so many early adopters, Mick believed in the Fix Auto ethos of a group of bodyshops working together and for that I will be forever grateful. We will, of course, continue to provide all the close support and guidance all the business needs during this transition into a new era without him at the helm.
“His passing is a deeply sad for all who had the pleasure of knowing him and my thoughts at this time are with Mick’s wife, Nicky, his family, friends and his close colleagues at Fix Auto Stoke-On-Trent and North Staffs.”
