Matt Johnson Prestige
Sector:
Automotive – Independent vehicle retail
Location:
Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness
Matt Johnson Prestige was launched in 2018 as a business born from a lifelong passion for cars and a desire to bring something different to Barrow.
After completing his degree and a successful stint with Honda in Newcastle, Matt returned home with his fiancée to start a family – and a business built on trust, quality and personal service.
“At first it was all about sports cars and supercars,” Matt recalls. “Then the market changed – so we adapted and broadened our offer.”
Today, the multi-award-winning business caters for a wide range of customers, from first-time buyers to enthusiasts seeking something special. Family cars, SUVs and performance models all share the same promise: attention to detail and a personal touch.
Customer service is the cornerstone of daily business. “If you don’t back passion with a really great customer experience, you won’t have much of a business,” Matt says.
That means honest advice, no pressure and meticulous preparation. The approach works – reviews are consistently high, and many customers return or recommend the business to friends.
“Barrow is a brilliant place to live and work. We actively chose to return from a city region to build a life and family business back in our home town. It has so much to offer.”
Barrovians and residents of the wider Furness peninsula are at the heart of Matt’s customer base – something he truly values.
For buyers travelling from further afield, the team makes the process easy. “We often arrange overnight stays at the fantastic Abbey House Hotel so people can collect their car without stress,” Matt explained. “We want to make Barrow their home for a day or two and showcase what the area has to offer.
“It’s about making the experience enjoyable. People want to meet the person they’re buying from. They want a conversation, not just a click.”
The ripple effect benefits the local economy. Every sale supports nearby partners – from servicing and MOT specialists to alloy wheel technicians and detailers. “The more cars we sell, the more work flows to other businesses. It’s a real ecosystem, and that matters to us,” Matt said.
Running the business is demanding. “It’s long hours and a lot of responsibility,” Matt admitted. “But I love it. We have a laugh with customers, and that makes the hard work worthwhile.
“We are building something special; something that I – and I hope the town – can be proud of.”
Stock is carefully chosen for quality, not quantity, and every buyer gets the same level of care. “Whether it’s your first car or a dream car, you’re treated the same.”
Matt is also quick to champion the benefits of the area. “Barrow is a brilliant place to live and work. We actively chose to return from a city region to build a life and family business back in our home town. It has so much to offer.
“You’ve got the Lakes on your doorstep, beaches five minutes away and a real sense of community.
“On top of that, there’s real momentum now – regeneration projects, new businesses opening and investment coming through. You can feel the confidence building, and it makes this a great time to be in business here.”
We want to make Barrow their home for a day or two and showcase what the area has to offer.
