Staff & Expertise

Ben Johnson

Ben founded The Car & Van Centre in October 2010 after gaining extensive experience working in a number of garages across the North East. He had long dreamed of opening his own garage built on honest, friendly values and high standards of workmanship.

Ben studied motor vehicle mechanics at Newcastle College, qualifying as a mechanic before going on to become a certified MOT Tester. His hands-on knowledge and commitment to customer care are at the heart of the business.

A lifelong Newcastle United fan, Ben can often be found at St James’ Park on matchdays. He also helps coach his son’s football team and, when he gets a bit of downtime, enjoys a round of golf with friends or taking the family camping.

Marc Beniams

Marc joined the team in 2014 and has been a key part of the business’s success ever since. After studying motor vehicle mechanics alongside Ben, Marc went on to gain valuable experience working in a range of garages, including a Suzuki main dealer.

Marc brings excellent technical knowledge and a strong understanding of modern vehicles, making him a trusted and highly skilled member of the workshop team. Outside of work, Marc enjoys spending time with his family on long walks and is a huge motorsport fan, with a real passion for all things racing. On a dry day, you’ll usually find him adventuring on his motorbike.

Chris Ewart

Chris – or “Kippy” as he’s known to most – has been the joker of the team since joining in 2015. With a background that includes a plumbing apprenticeship, along with skills in plastering and welding, Chris eventually decided that mechanics was the career path for him.

He brings a broad skill set to the workshop, with experience working on vintage cars and a real passion for problem-solving, particularly when it comes to tricky or unusual jobs. Outside of the garage, Chris enjoys spending time with his family. He also has a unique hobby of flying small aircraft and, when he’s not in the air or keeping the team laughing, enjoys songwriting and indulging his creative side.

Jorge Ortega

Jorge joined the team in 2024 after relocating from the USA with his wife and son. Quickly settling into life at the garage, Jorge has become known as another of the team’s jokers – often found hiding in small spaces ready to give his colleagues a fright.

Ford-trained and highly skilled, Jorge is a whizz when it comes to transmission work; he loves a challenge and also has the added skill of barbering, making him something of a man of many talents. A huge football fan, Jorge plays for local teams and is also a proud Newcastle United supporter, fully embracing life in the North East.

Callum Robertson

Callum is the youngest member of the team and qualified as a mechanic in 2024 after spending a year working with us while completing his college studies. During this time, he gained valuable hands-on experience and quickly became a great addition to the workshop.

Callum loves to dance and is famous for celebrating a job well done with a quick boogie. When he’s not in the garage, you’ll usually find him flying around the track at the local go-karting centre or keeping up with his passion for Formula 1 racing.