From University Project to Premier League Service: The Rise of Ascocars
Three childhood friends from west London have transformed a modest £3,400 investment into a thriving mobile car repair business that now counts Premier League footballers among its elite clientele. Aston University graduate Madhat Abdullah, alongside Abdulhakka Sentamu and Umar Kabanda, founded Ascocars during the Covid-19 pandemic, identifying a crucial gap in the market for mobile Mercedes-Benz maintenance services.
Humble Beginnings and Rapid Growth
The entrepreneurial trio, all hailing from Feltham, allocated their initial capital strategically: £3,000 for a diagnostic machine and £400 for a vehicle. Each partner brought distinct skills to the venture, with Madhat, 28, developing the website, Abdulhakka, 30, managing social media, and Umar, 32, overseeing operations. Their calculated risk paid off spectacularly, generating over £100,000 in revenue during their first year of operation.
The company's growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable, tripling its turnover in the second year and now projecting approximately £700,000 in revenue for the current financial year. This exponential expansion demonstrates the viability of their innovative business model in a competitive automotive sector.
Celebrity Endorsements and Market Recognition
Ascocars has cultivated an impressive portfolio of high-profile clients, including Premier League footballers Reiss Nelson and Kurt Zouma, alongside influential social media personalities Harry Pinero and Chunkz. Their breakthrough moment came when they secured former footballer Patrice Evra as their first celebrity client through persistent online outreach to his family members.
Madhat Abdullah reflected on their unconventional start: "They came to me with the idea of doing mobile repairs on Mercedes and going to people's houses because nobody was allowed out during Covid. We just took the risk and thought this could mean something. It was a make-or-break situation."
Overcoming Challenges and Building Infrastructure
The young entrepreneurs faced significant hurdles in their early days, particularly regarding insurance and securing their first business premises. Industry professionals initially struggled to comprehend their mobile service concept, creating additional barriers to establishment. However, their perseverance ultimately led to success, enabling them to purchase a permanent garage in Brentford, West London, which now serves as their operational headquarters.
Madhat explained their marketing approach: "I think we are one of the highest Mercedes specialist companies in London. It is all word of mouth, social media, and Google. We like to come up with new ideas to get our name out there."
Future Expansion and Community Impact
Ascocars continues to pursue ambitious growth strategies, having recently expanded their team with five additional staff members. The company is actively seeking larger premises and additional service vehicles to accommodate increasing demand. Technological innovation remains a priority, with plans to develop a mobile application to streamline booking processes and enhance their YouTube channel presence.
The founders take particular pride in their community impact, having emerged from what Madhat describes as "not the best of areas." He emphasized: "A lot of our friends we have seen go down a different route, so it was a big success when people in our area saw what we were doing. There has been a lot of support."
Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly straightforward: "Think outside of the box and take the risk. You don't need to start with money, you can start with just an idea, and that idea can take you somewhere." From a £3,400 investment to a £700,000 turnover business serving Premier League stars, Ascocars stands as a compelling testament to this philosophy.
