Case Study: Land Rover Defender specialist diversifies on land and sea
Twisted Automotive has been obsessively re-engineering iconic vehicles for more than 20 years and is famed for recommissioning the classic Land Rover Defender from its workshop in Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Founded by Charles Fawcett in 2000, the business was born out of his love of Land Rover vehicles, something he’d been surrounded by as a child as a result of his father’s work and own obsession.
Twisted was originally set up as a sidearm, offering tuning and performance enhancements on the cars, and by 2008, with a high demand for expert advice and quality modification, it came into its own as a full-time operation.
Twisted expansion
The business has grown into a worldwide brand and recent years have seen accelerated growth with expansion in new locations and markets.
Twisted Marine was established in 2021. Based out of Salcombe and Brighton, it exists to breathe new life into boats, offering a range of services including brokerage, sales, maintenance, emergency repairs and storage. Just recently, the marine division opened a new gallery and workshop in Salcombe.
There’s also a new addition to the Twisted Automotive family - the Suzuki Jimny. For the first time in the company’s 23-year history, it is carrying out full conversions on a vehicle other than the classic Land Rover Defender. Twisted has engaged with engineers in Dubai, Japan and the UK to offer a modified Jimny with enhanced performance.
The company has also made more of its current property portfolio. The Old Cinema in the heart of Thirsk was renovated as a showroom during the pandemic. In 2023, a gift shop specialising in fine Yorkshire ware was added. As well as gifts, visitors to The Old Cinema can enjoy food and drinks at The Box Office Café and the Anti-Roll Bar.
Stephen Dinsmore, Corporate Finance Manager at Armstrong Watson, said: “Twisted is a name synonymous with world-class products, expertise and customer experience. The team’s obsession with quality and customer service can be seen throughout the company, and the culture that has been ingrained within the business really comes through in their offering. You can see and feel that they genuinely care about the products they produce from the second you walk through the door of the beautiful showroom in Thirsk.
“It has been a pleasure to assist Charles and the team with their growth plans and watch the business expand through new locations and new properties. I am excited to see what comes next.”
“The Armstrong Watson team were on hand to offer business and finance advice, alongside our existing accounting team, to help support our growth.” Charles Fawcett, Founder and Managing Director at Twisted.
If you would like to discuss your business plans for expansion please get in touch with Stephen Dinsmore at stephen.dinsmore@armstrongwatson.co.uk.
