Young Portsmouth entrepreneur launches mobile valet service, turning passion for cars into successful business

Turning his passion for cars into gainful employment, 14-year-old Hugh Clark launched his washing services at the end of February.

His business, H.C Mobile Auto Washing And Car Detailing, is a mobile valet service offering customers interior and exterior vehicle cleaning.

Hugh, who lives in Portsmouth said: ‘I’m a huge car enthusiast, which is part of the reason I have started my business as I would get to work on some nice cars.

‘I’ve had the chance to clean my dream car, a Tesla, and I have many more booked in that I’m certainly looking forward to.’

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Mum Samantha Clark said: ‘Hugh knows what he wants - he wants a Tesla and knows he’s going to have to work hard for it.’

She says that Hugh wrote a ‘really enterprising letter’ and posted it through the door of people with cars such as Maseratis and Lamborghinis in their driveways, offering to clean their vehicle.

Using his family’s jet washer, Hugh started offering his car cleaning services locally and reinvested the money he made into a new pressure washer.

Hugh said: ‘My clients have been thrilled with their cars and being able to see before and after comparison pictures next to each other.

‘I have received lots of support and kind messages from people who like what I am doing too.’

To advertise his washing services, Hugh has also made business cards with two QR codes, one connecting to his business’s Facebook page and the other to Hugh’s WhatsApp.

Hugh said: ‘I intend on expanding on my self promotion by getting a facemask with my logo on it and a shirt with my logo on the front and a QR code on the back.’

Since the end of 2020, Hugh has worked with South Coast Cleaning and Property car, cleaning windows, jet washing, and clearing gutters.

Hugh added: ‘My money is going into my business, which will hopefully contribute to me buying my dream car one day in the near future.’

Mum Samantha, who works at Eastleigh Borough Council, said: ‘He’s doing really well, and everyone’s giving him really good feedback - he’s got amazing people skills.

‘I’m really proud of him.’

Find out more on www.facebook.com/HCMobileAutoWash.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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