Family-run business founder reflects on 35 years in Ballyclare and looks to the future with £75,000 investment
A £75,000 premises upgrade is helping to drive new business at a Ballyclare dealership as its celebrates 35 years in the motor industry.
The significant investment by Stephen Mawhinney Motors includes a refurbished workshop, redesigned reception and customer welcome area, improved meeting spaces, refreshed corporate branding with new uniforms, and increased investment in digital and social media marketing.
The new and used-car specialist was founded in 1991 by managing director Stephen Mawhinney, who says the changes have contributed to strong business performance with the company reporting one of its best years on record in 2025.
Stephen Mawhinney, who has seen the car sales industry go through many peaks and troughs over the past 35 years, said he is looking forward to the next chapter in the life of the family-run business.
“Reaching 35 years in business is something I’m extremely proud of. The motor trade has changed massively in that time; from how people research cars, to the expectations around transparency, after-care and digital engagement. But the fundamentals of trust, quality stock and personal service have never shifted, and that’s what has kept us growing,” said Stephen.
“A milestone like this provides an opportunity to look back, but also to invest for an even stronger future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
He added: “If you look back 35 years, the roads here were dominated by compact manual hatchbacks and small family cars. Today it’s a completely different picture; SUVs and crossovers are everywhere, people want the higher driving position, more space and versatility for family and work.
"The technology has changed just as fast. We’ve gone from straightforward petrol engines to hybrids, mild-hybrids and fully electric options becoming a normal part of the buying conversation.”
Throughout the decades, the company has faced many of the challenges that have hit the sector, from recessions to supply chain issues, to the more recent regulatory hurdles that it believes have pushed up prices and reduced new car choice.
Stephen explained: “That’s driven a lot more demand into the used sector, with people holding onto cars for longer and being very value-focused when they do change. But despite all of that, one thing hasn’t shifted: people here still rely on their vehicles every day and they want to buy from someone they trust. That’s been the constant through every trend and every crisis.”
A team of seven work at the Mill Road site, including Stephen’s two sons, Alex and Rhys, who joined the business in their 20s. The dealership also boasts exceptional staff retention, with sales manager Thomas Duncan recently marking 33 years of service and technician Jonathan Snoddy celebrating 30 years with the firm. He is joined in the workshop by Aaron Rea, who is now moving into his fifth year with the company.
A steady flow of repeat customers and referrals has also strengthened its position in the market. As part of its anniversary year, the company will work on a special initiative supporting Brainwave NI, a local charity with personal significance to the Mawhinney family.
“Celebrating 35 years isn’t just about looking back, it’s about investing, improving and giving something back,” added Stephen. “We’re grateful to our customers, our staff and the Ballyclare community for supporting us over the decades, and we look forward to the next chapter.”