An independent service centre which specialises in prestige car brands is set to enjoy the best trading month in its 14-year history.

Poole-based Star Tech says revenue for June – its first full month back – is up a fifth on normal.

Bookings for the first three weeks of this month show an increase of ten per cent compared to the three weeks leading up to lockdown.

And May, when only half of the 11-strong team were working, saw 60 per cent of regular turnover achieved.

A total of 51 MOT’s were carried out in the month, even though there is an automatic six-month extension.

Matt Peacock, Managing Director, said: “We’ve come back really strong and I’m very pleased.

“At the start of the lockdown I told the team that everyone will keep their jobs and there will be a business to come back to.

“Like most others we had to furlough members of the team but now everyone is together again.

“The response from our customers, especially to the measures we’ve put in place, has been very positive.

“After all the doom and gloom it’s nice to be able to report some good news.”

Earlier this year Star Tech announced a partnership with Dorset Mind, the mental health charity.

It includes donating 50p to the charity for every invoice raised. To date that one action, alone, has raised £700.

Several staff also took part in the 2.6 Challenge.

Launched on Sunday April 26 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon – people were asked to organise a fundraising activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26.

In Matt’s case he cycled 260 miles over the course of ten days with the total team effort raising £665.

Matt said: “Being a business owner is tough and I have struggled with my own mental health in the past.

“It’s an issue close to my heart and I’m pleased that we’re doing our bit to not only raise awareness but also funds for such a good cause.”