Mechanic starts drum business in his garage.

A mechanic whose business suffered a decline in trade has opened a specialist drum centre in his garage.

Phil Harrison has been running Harrison Motor Services from the Allenby Industrial Estate for 14 years.

He also ran a small drum school from a spare room at the back of his unit.

But after the car servicing business slowed down this year Mr Harrison and his partner Rachel Chambers decided to take the plunge and change the focus of the business.

They have now opened the Lincoln Drum Centre in the unit on Crofton Road and claim to be a supplier of some of the best drum equipment on the market.

Ms Chambers said the move, as with any business venture, had been a bit of a gamble.

“We invested all our own savings into the business, which was a bit of a risk,” she said. “We own every item of stock and paid for all the refurbishment. But we have an excellent showroom and have been getting great responses from drummers within this community.

“We’re the first truly dedicated drum centre in Lincoln.”

Ms Chambers, who met Mr Harrison when he was her drum teacher, said they launched the drum centre after a decline in business from the motor garage.

“We ran Harrison Motor Services for 14 years, but the car service industry has declined so much during the recession. People are cutting back on maintaining their cars as often,” she added.

“Phil used to teach drum lessons in the back room of the garage, which were well received. We decided to get a few starter kits and see how it goes.”

Ms Chambers said she hopes the drum centre will become more than just retail premises, with the hope of providing a hub for a community of musicians.

“We want to offer workshops, demonstrations and question and answer sessions for youth groups and schools to learn more about drums and drumming,” she said.

“If any musicians want to come by, they can sit and have a coffee and a chat, and find out more about the different kits.

“All of our kits are playable. We want to promote interactivity between musicians, bands, and music teachers.

“If anyone wants to find out more about the workshops and demonstrations, all they have to do is get in touch.”

Lincoln Drum Centre is open seven days a week. For more information, visit www.lincolndrumcentre.co.uk or call (01522) 514100.