Meet the TIP Gateshead Team
The TIP Gateshead team is led by Vanessa Erskine (Branch Operations Manager). ‘Ness’ has been with the business for over 15 years and has a total of 25 years’ experience within the industry. Her dedication has been instrumental in the growth of our ‘North East branch’. Ness is often the ‘go to’ person when it comes to handling TIP’s computer systems!
Vanessa is supported by Sara Smith, Colin Richings, Scotty Robinson, Steven Shearer and Rob Smith.
Pictured top from left to right are Colin and Scotty. Pictured bottom from left to right are Steven and Rob.
Sara Smith (Assitant Branch Opererations Manager) is currently on maternity leave enjoying time with her new daughter Isla and son Callum.
Colin Richings (MOT Controller) has been with TIP since 2013. He likes holidays in Scarborough, and is partial to a glass of red wine!
Scotty Robinson (Operations Assistant) has been with TIP since 2016 and is often described as "mad as a hatter". His memory is terrible, and even after being here several years, he will still say he's only worked here for two weeks!
Steven Shearer (Operations Assistant) has been with TIP since early 2021 covering Sara's maternity leave.
Rob Smith (Workshop Manager) has been with TIP since 2017, starting as an Assistant Branch Operations Manager, before becoming Workshop Manager in 2018.
The workshop has a great team of mechanics.
Pictured left to right are Barry, John, Paul and Phil
Barry Carr (Workshop Supervisor) has a wealth of truck and trailer knowledge and has worked both in the workshop and as a mobile mechanic.
John Raeburn (Workshop Mechanic) has worked at Gateshead twice, originally in 2002 and then again from 2012. John has a wealth of knowledge and despite his age will not shy away from anything that is put in front of him! He is a fan of classic cars.
Paul Errington (Workshop Mechanic) joined the team in 2020 after re-training as a mechanic just two years earlier! Paul enjoys weekends away in his caravan.
Phillip Dobson (Workshop Mechanic/Driver) is affectionately known as 'Doppa'. Phil is the branch driver, but he also helps to run our ATF lane when he's not behind the wheel. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling in his motorhome.
The branch is supported by an fantastic team of mobile mechanics.
Pictured left to right are Edmund, Lee, Ryan and Stephen
Edmund Wilson (Mobile Mechanic) aka 'Eddy' has been with us since 2020. He brings a wealth of knowledge and enjoys a challenge. Eddy is our resident traveller, spending all his annual leave abroad!
Lee Wilson (Mobile Mechanic) aka 'Lovely Boy' has been with us since 2017. Lee services two sites daily and is our mobile EBS technician. He has a soft spot for his van and is often caught calling it his baby!!
Ryan Walker (Mobile Mechanic) who is affectionately known as 'Young Ginge', has been with us since 2020. He has travelled around the world including to Africa but is now settled with children. He has a 'can do' attitude and just gets the job done.
Stephen Rutter (Mobile Mechanic) has been with us since 2005 and had a long-standing off-site position servicing one of our local customers. He is now a mobile mechanic and travels the North East. Steve is never one to say no to a job and loves work, so much so he won’t take his holidays!!!
From a commercial perspective, branch activities are led by Dave George (Strategic Accounts Manager). Dave is a valuable member of our commercial team, having a great understanding of the industry and our business, providing many years of experience. Dave always manages to offer a positive outlook for everything he is involved in and is always on hand to provide help whenever needed. As a bonus, he is TIP's ‘in-house’ photographer!
