The Vision
Why 444 ‘The Retreat’ – if you have a love of automotive and design, then ‘The Retreat’ is for you. We are much more than just storage, more of an appreciation of fine collectibles and artisans. So, let us take the headache away from having to store and look after your ‘classics’, into an environment where they become pieces of art, to be admired by like- minded people. A place to come and mix, tell stories and become part of a club, that can experience the finer side of automotive.
Enjoy afternoons of watching automotive sporting venues in our reception and lounge area (watch this space), on our XXL size monitors. Or even a cozy gig, where a selection of bands will be performing. All while drinking and eating good food from our selection of caterers of the day.
So, why this approach. Let us tell you more about 444 ‘The Retreat’ from our leadership team.
Tony Sheridan – owner/visionary
An entrepreneur, whose passion and vision have inspired 444 ‘The Retreat’, where automotive and collectic possessions reside.
“Working hard, led me to play hard. A tough life lesson, working within the extreme environments of the North Sea offshore oil platform industry, taught me to appreciate the time you had outside of that full-on work life. And how was that done – with metal, of all kinds, but especially automotive.
Building and drag racing my own hand-built 350 Chevy powered Ford Popular (you remember those), along with a couple of big bikes, I was hooked.
Being a dual national, both UK and USA and spending most of my life there, exposed me to a new world of automotive and its potential. I was in my element. Building bespoke customs, winning shows and in between obtaining a pilot’s licence, then the plane that went with it. I was in my element.
But work takes over and building a successful business only fueled the passion to achieve better and greater things. Owning my first Aston, a DBS, Casino Royale Manual, was a great achievement, owning a top British brand in the UK. That car was used in the Bond Premier ‘Quantum of Solace’.
The list became endless, but it’s fair enough to say, these are all part of a great life journey that has set me up to do something different, a bit of a swan song let’s say. So, 444 ‘The Retreat was born. It gives me chance to explore and create an environment which I feel, will benefit any customer. More than just storage, this allows me to continue my passion of automotive, even manufacturing scaffolding furniture, which became a reality after selling my own scaffolding business.
This mix of skills has given 444 ‘The Retreat’, a solid foundation to build upon. doing something different, that this industry has been crying out for now for some time”.
Mike Beighton – partner/operations
To run and maintain a successful business, the structure, processes and personnel, all have to be behind the vision and goals. 444 ‘The Retreat’ is no different. With the right personnel and environment, we will offer a service and experience like no other.
“My experience goes back decades, working with Jaguar and Aston Martin, overseeing 12 Jaguar and Aston Martin technicians. Being the youngest ever Aston Martin after-sales manager in the world, a position I developed and held for 16 years allowed me to really focus on what is important to a customer.
In 2009, I oversaw a move to a brand-new dealership based in Hagley, near Stourbridge. This highly successful business won many awards and was highly respected by the group.
In 2017, I made the monumental move to set up my own Aston Martin specialist company, as many of you will know and branded it Fisher Performance Cars. In 2023, after much soul searching, I made what I consider to be the toughest, yet best decision and subsequently sold my shares in FPC, in order to concentrate on what I consider the ultimate automotive lifestyle hub, which is now 444 “The Retreat’.
So, let me invite you to say hello, look around, experience the difference and have your prize possessions, cared for and cherished”.