Regtransfers - Number Plates Magazine issue34

Luisa Loves Cats and DogsJon Molyneux, from Romford in Essex, UK vehicle.” Regtransfers tracked it down “I wanted to create a one-stop shoppurchased LUI 54 for his wife after a for him and LUI 54 (‘Luisa’) now sits where you could buy everything from an13-year search. “Since I met my wife, proudly on her JCW Mini Cooper S. exquisite handmade cat collar to a ladiesLuisa, all that time ago, I have been on cashmere scarf in bespoke labrador fabric.”a secret mission searching and waiting for Luisa has just started her own business, anthis very special combination to become online and high street bespoke gift boutique lovecatsanddogs.co.ukavailable,” says Jon. “With Regtransfers’ for discerning pets and their owners, called facebook.com/lovecatsanddogsboutiquehelp, at long last, I secured it earlier this ‘Love Cats And Dogs’ and the Mini, withyear as an extra special birthday present.” its distinctive registration, attracts quite a lot of attention parked outside the boutiqueThe unusual spelling of the name results in Shenfield, near Brentwood, Essex.from Luisa’s Italian heritage.“Of course, finding such a plate in “The shop is a celebration of all things What’s the story?mainland UK was technically impossible,” cat and dog,” says Luisa. “I noticed thatsays Jon, “as the letter ‘I’ is not used. there was a gap in the market for a store Send YOUR photos toBut then I learned that Northern Irish that sold high quality, predominately [email protected], which can start with the letters handcrafted, organic and UK-madeLUI, can be transferred to any other products for cats, dogs and their owners.

RegAlert Can’t find exactly what you want? Then Then, we will contact you - by text sign up today for our fantasic FREE search message or email - the moment a number and alert service. plate matching your criteria becomes available. We have access to virtually EVERY number plate on the market and we will match your Simply register your requirements requirements with our database and make online at: some immediate suggestions. www.regtransfers.co.uk/regalertRegAlert“I was looking for a private reg plate for saying that the registration PM11 NER the plate was his. “I was overjoyed,” hea number of years and decided to register was available. “I could not believe the says, “and could not wait to tell everyone.”my interest on your website,” says Paul plate, so I rang Regtransfers straight awayMilner, “so that I could receive text alerts and told them I wanted to order the plate. Paul, from Wakefield in West Yorkshire, isand regular emails about the things I was I paid my money and just sat back and keen to stress how easy he found it to setinterested in without having to keep going hoped they were able to secure it for me.” up the RegAlert facility: “Had it not beenback and looking all the time.” for this, I may never have thought about On the morning of the release date, Paul being able to get the plate.”The plan paid off when, to Paul’s received another text message to say thatamazement, he received a text message

NAMES and WORDS Andrea Ridgard always wanted a personalised number plate as most of her family have them. Andrea’s father restores old Triumphs and is always on the lookout for personalised registrations on old cars, which is why Andrea became interested in private plates. “My dream car was an Audi TT Roadster in white and I finally managed to get one with some money my nan left me,” Andrea says. “One day, whilst I was browsing the internet, I came across Regtransfers and a lovely lady called Adrienne guided me in the direction of purchasing AN11 REA. She was so helpful and I can’t thank her enough. She managed to find a number plate that reflected my name. It was like a dream come true.”

GREG RUTHERFORD GOING FOR GOLDO lympic and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Greg Rutherford is something of a local sporting heroto people in Regtransfers’ neighbourhood.From our offices in Dunstable it is just aquick drive up the A5 to Greg’s home townof Bletchley, now part of Milton Keynes, andto his current home near Woburn Sands.Faced with such a convenient geographicalcoincidence, it is, perhaps, surprising that weactually met Greg in the middle of London,some 35 miles in the other direction.Bearing in mind Greg’s spectacular goldmedal winning performance in the 2012Olympics we thought it would be appropri-ate to mark the achievement in some waywhen we delivered his personalised numberplates so we arranged for a posh presenta-tion box. In retrospect, perhaps that wasa mistake if we had hoped to get Greg towax lyrical and enthusiastic about personalregistrations - although he was very pleasedwith his plates, he almost seemed moreimpressed with the box.“A personalised registration is somethingI’ve considered so many times and nevergone for. I know other people who havethem: Andy Turner, has got L10 RUNor something like that on his plate, sothat’s for 110 metres hurdles. But I thoughtGBR 601D was absolutely fantastic for meand I was really excited. And it’s come inan amazing box as well. You’ve really goneto town on this, guys. It’s like a big fanfareof a box: absolutely out of this world. Thisis going to take pride of place at home; I’mgoing to put it on my mantlepiece.”It seems as if Greg is going to become increas-ingly accustomed to elaborate presentationsand accolades. At the time of our meetinghe was still riding the wave of post-Olympicaftermath: that pervasive delight that sweptthe country after the home team’s splendidperformance at London 2012, where theysecured a total of 65 medals: 29 gold, 17silver and 19 bronze. His career and its goldmedal-winning culmination up to that pointwas recognised with the MBE in 2013, but inthe time that has passed since then, Greg’ssuccessful streak has grown into a broadstripe of apparent invulnerability. Gold washis at the 2014 Commonwealth Games inGlasgow and again at the 2014 EuropeanAthletics Championships in Zürich. This isan athlete on top form.

One might think that a serial gold med- One way or another, Greg had always have a job. So I had the support arrange-al-winning and British record-holding long intended to compete professionally. ment that meant that I could pay the bills Ijumper would have to emerge from the needed to pay as well as train. That basicallywomb with spring-loaded knees and a love “I told myself that I would make it in sport gave me the opportunity to train full time.of sandpits, but Greg Rutherford arrived at of one sort or another, and that’s why I tried So, I trained practically every day. As I say, Ihis specialist discipline after a considerable everything I could. Football was an inter- focused everything on track and field. That’sjourney through various sports. esting one. I had trials at Aston Villa when basically what your life becomes: everything“I did a bit of everything: football, rugby, I was about 13, but I got a bit disillusioned is about that and you can’t do things thatbadminton… I did every sport that was with it because I didn’t enjoy it particularly. you’d normally do. All of a sudden, at 18thrown at me. I started off in track and field There was a lot of pressure and eventually I or 19 you’ve gone from going out with youras a sprinter but then realised that I’d never just walked away from that sport and tried mates to having to stay in and sacrificing thebe quite good enough to go on and take other things. I was enjoying track and bad- things you used to do. But for me, as I say,that up as a professional. On the other hand, minton probably a bit more. I realised that I was determined to make it in sport and Iwhen I tried the long jump I progressed badminton was way too hard for me to take realised that was what I had to do.rapidly, so I stuck with it. I got to about 18 on as a career for life, and track and field “The Olympics was the culmination of soand I thought, Right, I’ll do this as a job as just seemed to be getting better and better. I many years. The thing is that much as itwell. Then I really dedicated everything to loved it as well - being outside all the time, was a fantastic year, I do remember sevenit. Up to that point and that decision I’d being really active. years before that in my professional careertaken everything a little bit relaxed, a bit that hadn’t been that good. It’s really toughchilled out.” “I had a job until I was about 19; then I got in track and field: it’s not the same as things funding, which meant that I didn’t need to

like football and rugby where you get a big sudden I was in the Olympic stadium, feel- do you do with yourself? You’ve sacrificedsalary, and no matter what happens - injury ing fit and healthy and ready to go.” everything and now it’s happened, but it’sor whatever else - you’re earning a large a strange thing that your brain can’t reallysum of money. In track, if you’re injured Fit and healthy indeed. Greg won one of comprehend what’s actually going on. So, Ithen you’re missing competitions and you four gold medals that went to British athlet- mean, obviously, complete joy… It’s a mas-have no chance of earning money. So, for ics competitors. We asked him what it actu- sive relief as well because it sort of provesmany years it was a bit of a struggle and ally felt like to win an Olympic gold medal. that all the hard work you’ve been doingthings weren’t ideal for me. has worked and it’s finally paid off and it’s“I remember earlier when I went to the “That’s probably the hardest question there done. It’s a feeling I’ve only ever had onceWorld Championships in amazing shape, is to answer because there are no words that and I doubt I’ll ever have again. It really wasranked highly and I really thought I was can genuinely describe the emotion that you incredible.”going to win a medal. Injury again meant feel. In fact, you seem almost to go throughthat I got completely and utterly knocked every emotion you’ve probably ever felt in However, it wasn’t long before Greg hadback, but then all of a sudden I have a your life all kind of rolled into one. It just hits another experience that rivalled his Olympicgood year and it just happens to be the you, and everything you’ve ever dreamed of win for intensity.best year to have a good year. I went to the and wanted… suddenly you’ve got it. It’s aOlympic Games feeling incredibly fit to start strange thing because ultimately my dreams “Getting the MBE was pretty amazing. I waswith and really, really confident. All year I’d have been of winning an Olympic gold probably more nervous about that than Ibeen jumping well. I’d had a couple of little medal. The other things that come with it was going into the Olympic park. At the endniggles, but nothing major, and then all of a are amazing, but that was what it was always of the day, I jump into sand - I mean, that’s about. But then you’ve achieved it, so what my living - and I found myself standing in a

GREG RUTHERFORD COMPETITION RECORD your legacy as an athlete in the general public’s eyes, so you’re always thinking2005 European Junior Championships, Kaunas GOLD 8.14 m about the next Olympics. As it stands now2006 European Championships, Gothenburg SILVER 8.13 m I’ve got a couple more championships, the2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 8th 7.85 m Commonwealth Games and a couple of2008 Olympic Games, Beijing 7.84 m Europeans all before that. You can’t be blase2009 World Championships, Berlin 10th 8.17 m about these other events because they are2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi 8.22 m all hugely important.”2012 Olympic Games, London 5th 8.31 m Success in international competition obvi-2014 European Championships, Zurich 8.29 m ously means more travel and more time2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, SILVER 8.20 m away from home. Does Greg get homesick? GOLD “You’re surrounded by friends and there’s GOLD always the phone and Skype, but I do miss GOLD my two dogs, my two labradors. My parents look after them. They live with me when I’m Source: Wikipedia at home. It was kind of a rash move to get two dogs; I didn’t think about the fact thatroom with people who… For example, one a lot, which was fantastic to hear. We com- I’m away a lot. But then, my mum and dadbloke I was speaking to has fostered 22 chil- pete a lot in the summer but, ultimately, get on really well with them. They get treat-dren over 50 years. He changed their lives. not a lot of it is shown on TV. It’s not been ed really well at my parents’ house. TheyHe has made an incredible impact directly a high-profile sport, so to hear her say that get fattened up. My mum tells me how myupon people. What an amazing person. And was encouraging. dad always gives them a bit of his breakfast.I stood there thinking, Well, I just jumped “It’s just a fantastic day. The dresses, the old I have to put them on a bit of a diet wheninto sand, had a good competition and won. school morning suits and top hats… It was a I get back. I think when they see me theyI sort of felt a little bit inferior. great added extra to what had already been think, Oh, no! Have to go on the diet again!”“There I was in the most iconic place in an amazing summer.” www.gregjrutherford.comthe world about to meet probably the most However, now his trip to the palace is overfamous figure in the world, and I’ve got to and done with, Greg has work to do. The Interview: Angela Banhgo and have a chat with her as she gives me next big competition is never as far away as Story: Rick Cadgera medal. I was completely and utterly brick- it may seem.ing it, mate. It was a weird, weird scenario “They’re always at the back of your mind. Photography: Stan Thompsonto be in. But it was great. The Queen said to Ultimately, the Olympics are what definesme that the profile of athletics has changedPhotograph: Citizen59

T o our constant delight, Regtransfers is lucky to have many customers who stay in touch with us. Some of themhave purchased or sold through us just once,while others have used our services timeand time again. Deepak “Dee” Bhatia firstappeared in our first magazine more thana decade ago, when he told us about hisfamily’s ongoing business success and theirgrowing collection of top quality private reg-istrations. Naturally, we were very pleased tohear from him recently and we took the op-portunity to get a bit of an update.The Bhatia family’s diverse business pro-jects all now fall under the umbrella of themain brand, Signature Global. As before, thefamily has a broad variety of interests and,if anything, that variety continues to grow.Inspired by his late father, who set a dynam-ic and confident example, Dee applies hishands-on leadership style to every aspect ofeach business.“The first company within the Signaturebrand was established to appeal to highnet worth individuals looking for a specificcar hire service,” says Dee. “The companyprovides tailored luxury car hire, enablingclients to enjoy a pleasurable and unforget-table encounter built around their specifica-tions. Signature Car Hire boasts a superband unrivalled product mix of immaculatevehicles, personalised customer service, aneasy to navigate website and an outstanding10,000 sq ft showroom and offices.“As the self-drive business established itselfand relationships developed with custom-ers including wealthy individuals and cor-porate executives, many started asking forchauffeuring facilities. Some wanted to treatfamily members to shopping trips and toursaround London, others had exhibitions andmeetings to attend that they wanted to bedriven to. This, combined with being basedso close to central London, M25 and major

airports suggested a natural progression to winning wholesaler with a multi-million and his family had reached the point whereintroduce a chauffeuring company. pound turnover. there are simply not enough hours in a day. One would be mistaken.“Another company, Diamond Alloys, was Other Bhatia family business ventures in-set up purely out of the need to ensure clude vegetable growing in Serbia and the “The team has recently launched the Sig-the quality standards of the alloy wheels of importing of Macedonian wines. One might nature Super Car Club, an exclusive mem-the exclusive vehicles within the Signature think that might be enough and that Dee bers’ club designed to benefit the supercarfleet. By being able to carry out this skilledwork within the group, a high level of con-trol could be exerted on materials used andquality assurance in addition to a quick turn-around. High quality products and an abil-ity to adapt to current trends have contrib-uted to the steady and successful growth ofDiamond Alloys. The company, now tradingfor approximately two years, boasts its ownexternal B2C and B2B client base which istestament to its achievements.”At the time of the previous article, babyclothing was a significant part of the busi-ness. That interest in the baby and nurseryindustry sector is now managed by Dee’ssister, Jyoti, under the e-commerce tradingplatform Babybrandsdirect.co.uk, an award

enthusiast. Members are able to enjoy the and its striking colour meant that they would drive any number of luxury marques suchfreedom to use any of our fleet cars as well be able to find it easily if they forgot where as Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porscheas having access to exclusive and rare car it was parked. Dee decided to get them a and Bentley through to Range Rover andmodels. We are all very excited about this chauffeur instead! Rolls Royce. Dee’s personal preference isnew venture: not least the excuse it provides the Bentley GTC with its power, luxury andto buy more cars.” One of the great advantages of owning style, perfect for pleasure and relaxation. a business like Signature is being able toThe family does love its cars. For some mem-bers the appeal of a vehicle is not in its valueor its exclusivity but in its perceived practi-cality. Upon seeing a Lamborghini Gallardoin the driveway, Dee’s late grandmother ad-vised his mum that she should choose thatcar for her shopping trips. Oblivious to theengine power and price tag, she saw it waslow to the ground which meant that both la-dies would be able to get in and out easily,

However, for day to day, practical use, a 9 DEE was the first of several unbeatable for Bentley GTC, ‘VOG’ for Range RoverRange Rover remains his ultimate choice. name registrations. DEE 1, DEE 2 and Vogue, ‘AMV’ for Aston Martin Virage and DEE 3 soon followed. Volante and ‘HSE’ for Range Rover HSEDee’s enthusiasm for quality cars is comple- Sport.mented by a similar enthusiasm for good “Plates like this have helped gain business,quality private registrations. it is a point of interest and topic of conver- Similarly, Signature has a range of plates sation, a real ice breaker. It always makes for the Bentley Flying Spur Speed, such as“My first plate was M3 BOY, followed by people laugh and puts them at ease which SP12 FLY and SP11 FLY; the ‘SP’ andM5 BOY. Those two were for my M3 BMW is essential in business. It is certainly some- ‘FLY’ signifying ‘Speed’, ‘Spur’ and ‘Fly-and M5 BMW. Both certainly reflected my thing interesting to talk about with clients,” ing’. The Mercedes AMGs all end in ‘AMG’age and personality at the time! They are still says Dee. and of course the Lamborghini LP560 Spy-treasured number plates for their sentiments ders have the number plates LP58 SPYbut not currently on any of the fleet.” Signature has a host of plates that begin and LP56 SPY which also highlight the with ‘S19’ and ‘S16’ (‘SIG’) that promote car model LP560 and the name ‘Spyder’.His next car dictated his next number plate, the company’s identity. These plates all The Porsche Boxster has plate BX12 TERwhich was 9 DEE for his 911 Porsche. have a variety of different endings to reflect and the Vianos follow a similar pattern in-The number partly reflected that car model the make of the vehicle including ‘GTC’ cluding V5 ANO and V2 ANO.but was also his house number at the time. As well as the business number plates, Dee couldn’t resist purchasing MI55 DEE for his sister, Jyoti, when she joined the business. Many contractors and labourers working for the family at the time assumed her name was Miss Dee because they had always ad- dressed Dee as Mr. Dee. He never corrected them and found it very amusing when Jyoti actually started answering to that name. www.signatureglobal.co.uk All photographs © Signature

“That’s yourGAY 1E (‘Gayle’) is available exclusively through Regtransfers @ £49,995 Photography: Stan car ”K arl Formstone’s interest in per- sonal number plates started in the 1970s when he was just seven oreight years of age. “We had a familyouting to the museum in Liverpool andin the museum was the first car off theFord production line at Halewood,” herecalls. “It was a Ford Anglia with theregistration 1 KF. I remember my mumsaying ‘that’s your car’. Ever since I havehad the interest in number plates.” TheFord Anglia is now in the new Museumof Liverpool.On his 21st birthday, Karl was givensome money and spent it on purchas-ing the registration KF 5104. He stillhas the number but it is currently on aretention document. Shortly afterwards,he and his brother bought the numberplate A5 TPF as a gift for their parents,Terry and Phyllis Formstone. “This plateis now on my brother and sister-in-law’sAudi,” says Karl. “My mum then boughtA5 PTF and she still has this on herSkoda.”The Formstones have recently beenlooking for investments for their chil-dren. “I was looking on the Regtransfersauction website,” says Karl. “I put bidson several number plates and was luckyenough to win 333 KXL for our oldestson, Scott, who is looking to get a car.”“I spend a bit of time looking on yourwebsite at some other plates as invest-ments,” says Karl, “and came acrossSAU 1L, which really caught my eye asour youngest son’s name is Saul.”A new car was ordered last November.It was picked it up just after Christmasand now sports the SAU 1L plate.





I n recent years, a particular kind of shop Then, one day, everything changed. Martin Like so many successful business people, has been appearing in increasing num- bought an ice cream and confectionery Martin has managed to acquire some nice bers on Britain’s high streets. Whether it magazine in which he found a picture of cars and some suitably striking private num-is due to nostalgia on the part of older cus- an old-fashioned sweet shop. The picture ber plates to bring out the best in them.tomers or curiosity on the part of younger captivated him and his imagination went to “I have MR51 MMS on a black Jaguar XJ,ones, retro sweet shops have enjoyed con- work. Over the next several months, Martin long wheelbase, and M51 MMS on a blacksiderable success and may now be found in formulated a vision for a new business 2.2 Vauxhall Turbo Insignia Saloon. I thinkmost towns. Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe inspired by the image from the magazine. they’re great advertising, and I can get fullis a leading brand in this market, offeringcustomers a wide range of the iconic con- Fully motivated, he fitted out the shop with tax relief. As far as I’m concerned, there isfectioneries that would have been enjoyed his own hands and basic tools in just nine only one Mr Simms, so I had to have them.by earlier generations, as well as new lines weeks. “I feel that I do own the ultimate registrationcreated to fit in with the bygone ambience Sugar runs in the veins of Martin’s family with MR51 MMS, however, I am purchas-that pervades each store. - his great-great-great-grandfather owned a ing a 5-litre Jaguar XKR convertible and itThe lucky man who has realised every kid’s sweet factory in Lincoln - so it seemed as would be nice if I could find S1 MMS to adddream of owning his own sweet shop is if success were almost pre-ordained. Now, to the fleet.Martin Peet. The thing is, that he wasn’t sat- with 109 franchised Mr Simms Olde Sweet “I’ve always found the Regtransfers teamisfied with just one. But we’re getting a little Shoppes throughout the UK and the Irish to be helpful, understanding and efficientahead of ourselves here. Republic, Martin is preparing to open his in dealing with my purchases and indeedMartin’s working life started at the age of first overseas shops in the Middle East and enquiries about plates.”14 when he began to clean windows and Asia and he plans to expand the brand into www.mrsimmsoldesweetshoppe.co.ukcars at the weekends. A little later, one of many more countries over the next fewhis window cleaning customers offered him years.a job in her newsagent shop. By passing carcleaning duties on to his brother, Martin wasable to continue with his window cleaning inaddition to the job at the newsagent.Martin continued working in the shop afterhe left school and he earned extra moneypicking potatoes. A few years later, Martinand his family bought the newsagent’sand had soon increased turnover from£900 a week to £9000 a week in a fewyears by redesigning and refitting the shop.Newsagent shops were Martin’s business forsome years until, at the age of 32, he lost aconsiderable sum of money due to a difficultlease situation. At that point he went to workfor furniture giant DFS. Within a year hewas managing a store, and a year after thathis performance had earned him a regionalmanager’s position. Martin stayed with DFSfor nine and a half years.

Speechless What’s the story? Send YOUR photos to [email protected] umber plates have been followed by the initials of various family and I wished I'd made a higher offer. It of interest to Mani Tank of members. re-appeared early 2013 and this time I was Birmingham since he was not letting it go.”about five years old. His father bought the “I tempted them to buy J5 TNK, H5 TNKfamily's first number plate, HST 45 back and then purchased MR07 ANK As you can see from the photograph, Maniin 1982. 'HST' are the the initials of Mani’s ('Mr Tank') for myself,” says Mani. “I had has recently purchased a new Mercedes-grandfather. always thought about a number plate with Benz C63 AMG. “The number plate just my surname and was searching many enhances the car's looks and makes itThey next purchased P4 HST, P5 HST websites and making enquiries to no avail. stand out,” he says. “I'm over the moonand R4 HST but had to wait for the and think this is probably one of my best‘T registrations to be released before “Then I saw a plate advertised on the investments to date. All my friends andadding to the collection with T4 NKX, Regtransfers website in 2011 and placed family were speechless when I put theT4 NKJ, T4 NKY, T6 NKX, T9 NKJ and an offer immediately. This was declined registration on the car and they all loveT9 NKC. Each represents the family name and the plate was taken off sale. I was very the plate.” upset, because this was the ideal plate

Barry’s daughter, Ciara, is pictured here with the RUN 42K registrationMarathon Mark What’s the story? Send YOUR photos to [email protected] arry Lynch from Fife in Scotland initials,” he says, “ but I did want some- he says. “I’ve found that even a lot of mar- has long been fascinated by num- thing that would be truly meaningful athoners are unaware of the significance of ber plates and their almost endless for me.” 42 km.”combinations. “I always look out for themost interesting plates,” he says. “Some As a keen marathon runner - completing RUN 42K has graced Barry’s Volkswagenpeople have truly ingenious ideas for their the London Marathon four times - Barry Polo for about four years now but it isregistrations.” was delighted when he spotted RUN 42K. now time to sell it. “ Hopefully it will go to The marathon is 26 miles, but measured another marathon runner who will appreci-After looking for several years, Barry con- in metric terms it is 42 km. “I was lucky ate it as much as I have over the years,” hecluded that whilst he didn’t know exactly enough to be able to buy it and I’m always says. “Every time I see it, I am reminded ofwhat he wanted, he would know it when surprised when strangers realise what it my four marathons.”he saw it. “I didn’t want my own name or means and talk to me about marathons,” RUN 42K is available exclusively through Regtransfers @ £5695

Hot property What’s the story? Send YOUR photos to [email protected] en Jones is a successful A few years ago Ben finally tracked down currently on my Yamaha property developer from 87 BJ (currently on his Range Rover), Raptor quad.” Ben’s most South Wales. His fasci- which is now one of his most prized plates, recent acquisition is 8 ENJnation with registrations began containing both his initials and year of birth. (‘Ben J’) which he displayswhen he purchased his first plate, “Then I purchased BEN 805S (‘Ben Boss’), on his Audi R8 super sportsX60 BEN, when he was just 17 which was part of a friend‘s collection and is car. “The cars and platesand, a few years later, he went attract huge attention,” sayson to acquire B6 NOK (‘Ben, Ben. “People tend to takeOK’). pictures at every opportu- nity.” Ben plans to eventu-As the business grew, Ben ally pass all his plates on toamassed a large property and his son who is, conveniently,commercial portfolio. “More called Benjamin.recently I have been travellingto Dubai,” he says, “where I have started to In his spare time, Ben enjoys using his fleetexpand my portfolio even further.” of vehicles both on and off-road. “It’s good to be able to use my Range Rover to its fullHis success has meant that Ben has been potential.able to add more plates to his collection. “Ienjoy collecting number plates,” he says, “as “I also enjoy taking my pug, Ralph, onthey are a proven, stable investment.” country and woodland walks.”

What’s the story? Send YOUR photos to [email protected] 9R ichard Witney from Essex inherited his sibling's interest in cher- The number 9 coincidentally repre- purchased the registration ished numbers and, in 1983, was sents the age difference between the 123 RW at the age of 32 for delighted to receive the registration two brothers. “Other than that,” saysjust £150. That was in 1973 and by 2134 RW as a surprise birthday pre- Robert, “there is no particular sig-1985 he had another great personal sent from his wife, Victoria. nificance, although it always seems toplate, 555 RW. But it wasn’t until have been a lucky number for us.”1988 that he acquired the best of the In 2007, he transferred the numberlot, RW 9. to his Mercedes Vito and purchased RIW 9, which conveniently includesRichard’s younger brother, Robert, his middle initial, from Regtransfers.who now lives in Southbourne, Dorset, Richard and Robert Witney with their splendid ‘Number 9’ plates.

Baba Ghai was intrigued about where that registration alised number one day became a strong might be. I never imagined I would one day motivational target and personal aspiration.Daveinder Kumar Ghai, known to friends see it on my own car.” “I’m very pleased to say that many haveand colleagues as Baba Ghai (‘Baba’ is “Most people have to be quite creative to fulfilled this personal aspiration over thea term of respect of Persian origin used make a number plate resemble their name, years,” he says, “and you will be pleasedthroughout South Asia to address commu- so of course I am extremely fortunate that to know I have always referred them tonity elders and holy men), is an acclaimed GHA 1 is such a perfect fit, and something Regtransfers!”international statesman and champion of the Ghai family can value and pass on forinter-faith pluralism. In 1984 Baba Ghai generations. The Anglo-Asian Friendship Society isfounded the Anglo Asian Friendship Society “I originally had the AAFS logo and Union the largest multi-faith registered(AAFS) which was to become the UK’s larg- Jack printed on my number plates until a charity in Britain and operates acrossest multi-faith charity, with 3000 members. friendly senior police officer politely remind- three continents with particular focus ed me of the legal specifications.” in India, Pakistan, Canada andThe AAFS has a truly international profile, One aspect of the AAFS’ diverse charitable Greece. They have almost 3000with offices located in Newcastle (UK), portfolio involves helping new immigrants members in Britain, of every race,Lahore (Pakistan), Jalandhar (India), New to settle and progress in the UK. Many have religion and community and aim toYork (USA) and Toronto (Canada). Baba told Daveinder that seeing GHA 1 for the promote true friendship betweenhas never sought financial reward for his first time made a powerful impression and communities on the basis of theirhumanitarian and community work and his that working hard to get their own person- shared humanity, serving all to unitededication continues despite disability and in peace and prosperity.debilitating ill health. Daveinder with his father, Ram Parshad, when Since its inauguration in 1984, the they first arrived in London in 1958 society has specialised in providingDaveinder is not a materialistic person but free of cost expert advice surgerieshe is proud of his personalised number held by professionals in all fields,plate. including barristers, health workers, doctors and financial advisers.“Obviously GHA 1 spells my surname per- www.anglo-asian.orgfectly,” says Daveinder. “For many years I

Worth waiting forShortly after the birth of their beautiful After two years of anticipation they finally actually obtained the registration on mydaughter, Ariella, two years ago, it became discovered that AR13 LLA was, indeed, behalf. I was thrilled.apparent to proud parents Stuart and set for release and, following a call with “I know my daughter is only two years old,Karen Cliff, from Sutton Coldfield in the sales advisor Ben at Regtransfers, the but this is a once in a life-time opportunityWest Midlands, that it would be possible to couple were assured that there was a very to purchase something that not only rep-purchase a brand new registration repre- good chance of securing it. resents my daughter’s name but is also asenting her name. “Finally,” says Stuart, “on the day of sound investment.”“But we were going to be in for a long release, I had a phone call from Ben withwait before the ‘13’ plate series would be the excellent news that Regtransfers hadlaunched,” says Stuart.

What’s the story? Send YOUR photos to [email protected] ShyR aymond Kramer from London is camera-shy, and was determined to get “I had to wait a considerable time for the a keen photographer but like into the picture. plate I really wanted, 59 RAY. It was many snappers he isn’t so keen thanks to Regtransfers, who found the reg-on appearing in front of the lens. “You may also see my istration for me, and enabled me to buy it belt buckle,” says at a very acceptable price. So far I’ve had“I much prefer to have a nice model in Raymond, “which shows two offers that were considerable morefront of the camera, with me behind it - that I’m a devoted BMW than I paid for it but, of course, I refusedThe camera, that is!” fan, and have been since 2000 when I to sell.” bought my first one, a model E36, M3 ver-From the photo that Raymond sent us, you sion. Also in the picture is my house num-can see that his cat, Tyson, is not at all ber, 59, that appears on my number plate.

Spot the Cab!Meet Billy the cabbie. Billy has kindly Also, next time you need a taxi in The small print: All entries must be received byallowed us to redecorate his London London, look out for Billy and his dis- 12th Dec 2014. Please email your photos totaxi with a selection of our number tinctive cab. If you manage to hail him [email protected] or send by socialplates. As you can see, the result of the you will be certain of arriving at your media at Facebook.com/Regtransfers or Twitter.exercise is pretty hard to miss. That destination in style! com/Regtransfers. Decision of our panel is final.being the case, it occurred to us that a No cash alternative. Employees and their fami-Spot-the-Cab competition might be fun. lies are not eligible to participate.It’s very simple: if you see our cab inLondon, snap a picture and send it tous with the time, date and location. Youcan send by email, Twitter or Facebook.The photo judged by our panel to bethe best will win a camera worth £200.The 10 photos judged to be the bestrunners-up will win copies of our book,Fanatical About Number Plates.There will be other taxi-themed gamesand competitions over the next fewmonths, so keep an eye on our socialmedia channels.twitter.com/regtransfersfacebook.com/regtransfers Cab photography: Stan ompson London skyline: Barry Monks

Storage firm can hardly contain themslevesC ontain Yourself Storage provides obvious business-related novelty plate The subject of the smaller picture is Ishca, self storage facilities using choice for proprietor Paul Speer. “I’ve only an 18-month old labrador, who Paul and modified brand-new shipping had the plate on the car for a couple of Emma are boarding for three months whilstcontainers which can be hired on a weekly, weeks,” says Paul, “and already had a few he completes his advanced guide dogmonthly or yearly basis. It’s not unusual for customers comment on it and raise a smile, training.customers to ask “is that the box man?” or which can’t be a bad thing.”“I’m looking to hire one of your boxes,” www.containyourselfstorage.co.ukwhen they call the Brighton-based Paul’s wife, Emma, is shown in thecompany. So, Y123 BOX seemed the photograph with the Y123 BOX plate.