Chewing the backseat of the family Vauxhall at the age of 3, Malcolm got his first taste for upholstery. Upon leaving secondary school at 16 years old, he had the choice to do an apprenticeship or head back to school. After Malcolm finished 9,000 hours for his apprenticeship at Hadwen Auto Trim in Hastings and completed his Certificate of Due Completion of Apprenticeship.

He then did a 6-month stint in Australia. Malcolm had the opportunity to purchase Napier Auto Upholstery in 1982 with his wife Stephanie. Purchasing Napier Auto Upholstery was a steep learning curve being his own boss at only 24, then adding three children to the mix. Napier Auto Upholstery is coming up to their 40th anniversary in 2022. In that time Malcolm has had six apprentices, and his love for cars has not diminished.

Bobbi-jo Wilkie was first introduced to Motor Trimming from a young age as Malcolm and Stephanie owned Napier Auto Upholstery before she was born. At age 11, she got her first job at Napier Auto Upholstery, doing odd jobs around the workshop. Bobbi always wanted to be a fashion designer. After she completed her Level 4 in Fashion Apparel at EIT quickly realised it was not for her.

With her love of cars and 25 years experience in sewing and her skill in pattern making, she decided to try Motor Trimming. She has now completed her MITO Level 3 in Industrial Textile Fabrication at Napier Auto Upholstery as a part of her apprenticeship. Now with Bobbi working and managing the workshop, and taking shares in the company, Stephanie and Malcolm can ensure that Napier Auto Upholstery remains in good hands.