From University Idea to Premium Automotive Service
Three ambitious friends have transformed a modest £3,000 investment into a thriving six-figure automotive business in West London, serving high-profile clients including footballers and television personalities. Mahdat Abdullah, 28, alongside friends Abdulhakka and Umar, conceived Asco Cars while studying at university, identifying a market gap during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Humble Beginnings with Big Ambitions
The entrepreneurial trio launched their mobile car servicing operation using their initial £3,000 to purchase essential diagnostic equipment and a £400 vehicle for transportation. "We started with £3,000 and bought a £400 car," Mahdat explained. "While we were both at university, Umar had to run the whole operation." Their diverse backgrounds—Mahdat with Yemeni heritage studying computer science, and his friends from Uganda—created a multicultural foundation for their venture.
Exponential Growth and Celebrity Clientele
What began as a pandemic-era solution has evolved into a premium automotive service attracting notable figures from across the UK. The business achieved £100,000 in revenue during its first year, followed by £250,000 in the second year. Currently, Asco Cars projects approximately £700,000 in annual revenue, representing a remarkable 233% increase from their second year.
The garage has become a destination for celebrities including former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, footballer Patrice Evra, influencers Chunkz and Harry Pinero, and Premier League players Trevor Chalobah and Reiss Nelson. "These footballers, influencers and celebrities will come down and get work done on their car," Mahdat noted. "We'd do their alloys and they'd end up becoming regular customers."
Strategic Expansion and Community Impact
In 2023, the partners secured an industrial unit in Brentford, West London, establishing a permanent base for their growing operation. Their strategic use of social media, particularly through Umar's engaging content showcasing repair work, has been instrumental in attracting clients from beyond London, including Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
The business maintains strong local connections while expanding its reach. "We have a lot of customers who live locally such as Uber drivers or chauffeurs as we are close to Heathrow," Mahdat said. Their commitment to community extends to employment practices, including a visa program bringing workers from Uganda and hiring local staff.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Legacy
For Mahdat and his partners, success represents more than financial achievement. "To see the growth in six years makes us very proud," he reflected. "My friend and I were never in the automotive industry so we are doing completely different things to [our background]. We come from a community where we weren't pushed as children."
The entrepreneurs credit their university education and pandemic-era determination for their accomplishments. "We grew up in Feltham and we were proud to go university as young adults," Mahdat added. "To do this, during Covid and to make something come of life out of that situation is something to be proud of."
Asco Cars continues to expand its services and workforce, demonstrating how innovative thinking, multicultural collaboration, and strategic adaptation can transform a simple university idea into a substantial business enterprise serving both local communities and national celebrities.
