Hickleys

What Hickleys does

Hickleys Ltd is a privately held UK-based specialist distributor of automotive diagnostic and garage equipment, founded in 1925 and headquartered in Taunton, Somerset. The company sources, distributes, and supports branded diagnostic scan tools (Autel, Bosch, Delphi, Texa), key programming systems (Advanced Diagnostics, Silca), garage equipment (Stenhoj vehicle lifts, Beissbarth wheel alignment, MOT bay packages), and EV/hybrid-specific equipment for UK automotive workshops, locksmiths, and training institutions. Hickleys is not a technology developer; its role is value-added distribution, including nationwide installation, calibration, and certification through GEA-accredited in-house engineers.

The business operates through multiple wholly owned divisions: a diagnostics and garage equipment retail operation via hickleys.com e-commerce, the Hickleys Training Academy (locksmithing, key programming, MOT training), Hickleys Auto Service Centre (a working garage), and Hickleys Healthcare (mobility aids and daily living products). Revenue derives from one-time equipment sales, multi-year equipment leases (£21.66–£47.48 per week over 2–5 years), and recurring Fit & Forget managed service contracts (MOT bay packages from £177.80/week plus a £50/week service layer covering warranty, calibration, and breakdown response). The customer base is fragmented across UK automotive workshops, locksmiths, schools/colleges, and individual mobility customers, with no disclosed enterprise anchor accounts.

Go-to-market is sales-led and B2B, combining direct phone sales, an e-commerce storefront with a lease calculator, trade show presence (including MLA locksmith association activity), and a training academy that drives product adoption. The company carries roughly a dozen core brand partnerships and serves exclusively the UK market, with no disclosed international operations or external investment.

Name

Hickleys

Legal name

Hickleys Ltd

Website

https://hickleys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hickleys is a privately held UK specialist distributor of automotive diagnostic and garage equipment, founded 1925, serving workshops, locksmiths, training institutions, and mobility customers with branded tools, installation services, and managed MOT bay packages.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Diagnostic and Garage Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133)

SIC

Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010)

akta.pro primary industry

Vehicle Diagnostics & Fault Code Scanning Services (TLAKANAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Tire & Wheel Services (Mount/Balance/Alignment) (TLAKAAAD)

Keywords

• Automotive diagnostic equipment
• Garage workshop equipment
• Vehicle key programming
• MOT testing bay solutions
• Automotive training equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Taunton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales: Direct sales of automotive diagnostic equipment, key programming tools, garage equipment, MOT testing equipment, ADAS calibration systems, EV/hybrid equipment, and automotive education/training equipment.
2. Equipment Leasing: Lease financing options for equipment purchases with weekly payment plans spanning 2-5 year terms, including tax relief benefits for UK businesses.
3. Fit & Forget Service Packages: Managed MOT bay packages covering warranty, calibration, maintenance, and breakdown support for a weekly fee over 5 years.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hickleys is a UK-based distributor and reseller of branded automotive diagnostic and garage equipment, offering diagnostic scan tools, key programming devices, MOT bay packages, vehicle lifts, wheel aligners, diesel diagnostic kits, EV/hybrid equipment, vehicle sanitisation systems, and automotive training rigs sourced from manufacturers including Autel, Delphi, Bosch, Texa, Advanced Diagnostics, Silca, Beissbarth, Stenhoj, and AutoEDU. It complements product sales with nationwide installation, calibration, and managed MOT bay service packages, plus a training academy and healthcare/mobility division.

Product overview

Hickleys is a UK-based specialist distributor of automotive diagnostic and garage equipment, offering a comprehensive portfolio of branded products across multiple categories. The core offering includes key programming tools (Smart Pro, Zed-FULL Plus, AD100Pro, MVP Pro), diagnostic scan tools (Autel, Delphi, Texa, Bosch), garage equipment (vehicle lifts, MOT bays, wheel aligners), and specialised EV/hybrid equipment. The product line extends to automotive education equipment (AutoEDU trainers for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles), vehicle sanitisation systems, and diesel diagnostic equipment. Hickleys operates through multiple divisions covering diagnostics, key programming, garage equipment, training academy, auto service centre, and healthcare & mobility products. The company provides complementary engineering services including installation, calibration, and maintenance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Smart Pro Key Programmer OBD vehicle key programmer for transponder keys, proximity keys, and remotes, with 10-inch colour touch screen, integrated AD Info Quest database covering over 5,000 vehicle models, quad-core processor, and token-based software pricing. Targeted at locksmiths and key programming specialists.
• Smart Pro Mini Compact portable key programmer offering key programming functionality in a portable form factor for locksmiths on the move.
• Zed-FULL Plus Key Programmer Advanced key programmer with Mercedes, BMW, and Remote Unlocking kits available, targeted at specialist locksmiths handling premium vehicles.
• AD100Pro Key Programmer Legacy key programmer with dedicated software modules for automotive locksmiths.
• MVP Pro Key Programmer Legacy key programmer with token-based software modules for automotive key programming.
• KeyDIY System Universal remote system where one remote can be made into multiple different part numbers, ensuring correct stock availability for locksmiths.
• DTS Connect Remote Diagnostics Remote diagnostics solution enabling connection between diagnostic tools and workshop systems.
• Autel MaxiSYS ULTRA Diagnostic Tablet Flagship Autel diagnostic tablet for automotive professionals covering advanced vehicle diagnostics.
• Autel MaxiSYS MS919 Diagnostic Tablet 9.7-inch touchscreen Android-based Autel diagnostic tablet with Octa-core processor and 128GB memory for professional workshops.
• Autel MaxiSYS MS909 Diagnostic Tablet Cutting-edge Autel diagnostic tablet for automotive professionals.
• Autel MaxiSYS MS906S MAX Diagnostic Tablet Professional-grade Autel diagnostic tablet combining powerful hardware with comprehensive software capabilities.
• Autel MaxiDAS DS900EU BT Diagnostic Tablet Android 11-based Autel diagnostic tablet with 64GB internal memory.
• Autel MaxiCHECK MX900C Service Tablet Affordable Android-based 8-inch Autel service tablet for workshops.
• Bosch KTS 590 Diagnostic Tool Professional Bosch diagnostic scanner for comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.
• Bosch KTS 560 Diagnostic Tool Bosch diagnostic scanner for automotive workshops.
• Texa Axone Nemo Plus Diagnostic Interface Advanced Texa diagnostic interface for cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
• PicoScope 4-Channel EV Kit Oscilloscope kit designed for high and low voltage systems including insulation testing and safety testing for electric vehicles.
• ADAS Calibration Tools Static and dynamic calibration kits for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including emergency braking, lane assist, and parking assistance.
• TPMS Tools Tyre Pressure Monitoring System diagnostic tools including VDO TPMS Pro, Tech300, Tech500, TPA400, and MaxiTPMS for automotive workshops.
• Vehicle Lifts (Stenhoj, Dama, RAV) Professional vehicle lifts including 2-post, 4-post, scissor, and mobile column lifts from Stenhoj, Dama, and RAV for automotive workshops.
• MOT Bay Equipment Packages Complete MOT testing bay packages including roller brake testers, headlight aligners, emission analysers, and turn plates, with optional Crypton Fit and Forget managed service packages.
• Crypton Fit and Forget MOT Packages All-inclusive managed MOT bay service covering 5 years of warranty, labour, calibrations, and maintenance for £50/week extra on top of lease.
• Wheel Alignment Equipment Wheel aligners including Beissbarth 3D+, CCD+, Q-Lign systems and Bosch FWA 4630 for automotive workshops.
• Tyre Changers and Wheel Balancers Tyre changing and wheel balancing equipment from Dama, Dunlop, and Beissbarth for automotive workshops.
• Air Conditioning Service Stations AC service stations from Texa (Konfort series) and Bosch (ACS series) for vehicle climate control maintenance.
• Leak Detection Equipment Leak detectors including Speed Smoke, Smoke Pro, HD PowerSmoke, ReadySmoke, and Air Brake NanoLeak for automotive diagnostics.
• Emission Analysers Exhaust gas analysers including Bosch BEA 950/850, Brain Bee Omni 800 series, and Crypton CCP700 range for MOT and emissions testing.
• Battery Management Equipment Battery support units, chargers, testers, and jump start packs from Bosch BAT series and GYS for automotive workshops.
• Delphi YDT840 Hydraulic Diagnostic Tester Comprehensive hydraulic diagnostic package for diesel specialists covering light, medium, and heavy-duty common rail and GDI systems up to 3000 bar.
• Delphi YDT810 Low Pressure Diagnostic Kit Handheld tester for low pressure diesel circuits covering pressure ranges from -1 to 35 bar for LD, MD, and HD applications.
• Delphi Buzz Box Electronic Injector Test Kit Patent-pending handheld device for quick electronic diagnosis of common rail injector coils including resistance, inductance, and insulation checks.
• Bosch Diesel Diagnostic Sets Comprehensive Bosch diesel diagnostic sets: Set 1 for low pressure circuits, Set 2 for system bleeding, Set 3.1 for high pressure pump and rail sensor testing up to 2000 bar.
• Delphi YDT850 Sealed Rail Kit Diagnostic kit for sealed rail common rail diesel systems.
• Delphi YDT410 False Actuator Kit Extends testing abilities by tricking common rail pumps into producing maximum pressure for pump health verification.
• EV/Hybrid Workshop Equipment Charging equipment, tools and safety equipment for electric and hybrid vehicles including Mode 2 cables and CTEK EV charging cables.
• Delphi Charge Mode 2 EV Charging Cables Mode 2 EV charging cables with In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD) for safe home or away charging of BEV/PHEV vehicles.
• CTEK EV Charging Cables (Mode 3) Mode 3 EV charging cables (Type 1 to Type 2, Type 2 to Type 2) up to 32A single or three-phase up to 22kW.
• EV Safety Equipment High voltage safety kits including insulated gloves, rescue poles, lockout devices, Faraday pouches, and comprehensive mobile safety stations for EV workshops.
• Texa Air2 SAN Vehicle Sanitiser Ozone-based vehicle sanitisation system with automatic saturation control, temperature/humidity sensors, and optional Bluetooth integration with Texa diagnostics, converting ozone to oxygen after sanitisation.
• Brain Bee O3-NEX Sanitiser Fully automatic ozone generator with multifunction sensor for controlled vehicle sanitisation, Bluetooth connectivity, and sanitation report generation.
• Purifier Air Cleansing Machine Ozone-generating air purifier for vehicles that kills viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, and microorganisms, with UV-based ozone generation and programmable timer.
• eco3 Air Purifier for Coaches Ozone and negative ion generator for buses and coaches that improves indoor air quality and neutralises microorganisms; module-based for different vehicle sizes.
• Toyota Prius III Hybrid Trainer Fully functional hybrid car training model based on Toyota Prius III with THS-III system and optional LPG, mounted on mobile chassis with working hybrid systems.
• Hybrid Engine Trainer MVHY01 Functional engine trainer with TOYOTA HYBRID CONTROL SYSTEM II, automatic gearbox, climate control, and multiple ECUs for hybrid system education.
• Petrol Engine Trainer MVTSI01 4-cylinder 1.4 TSI direct injection engine trainer with turbocharger, cooling system, and exhaust system, including fault simulation and OBD diagnosis capabilities.
• Diesel Engine Trainer MVCR03 Euro 5 Educational diesel trainer with common rail system, OBD diagnosis, open contacts for measurements, and fault code simulations.
• Diesel Engine Trainer MVCR05 Euro 6 Educational diesel engine trainer with common rail system and AD Blue for Euro 6 emissions standard training.
• Electric Vehicle Trainer AE02 (Nissan Leaf II) Fully operational electric vehicle trainer based on Nissan Leaf II with engine, ABS, AC, and airbag diagnostics, including fault simulation capabilities.
• Electric Vehicle Trainer MSEV01 Electric vehicle trainer with electric motor, controller, battery, and high voltage components mounted on aluminium frame with safety plexiglass covers.
• Bosch Motronic Training Board Engine control system trainer based on Bosch MOTRONIC MED 7.5.10 (FSI) using Audi/VW OEM components, including fault simulation and actuator testing.
• Wheel Alignment Training Stand MSVAZ01 Training stand with McPherson-type front suspension and multi-link rear suspension for teaching wheel alignment with 8 adjustment points.
• Hickleys Engineering Services Installation, certification, service, calibration, and repair services for garage equipment delivered by Hickleys' team of GEA-accredited engineers.

Quantifiable outcome

• MOT bay packages include 5-year warranty, labour, spare parts, and calibration coverage
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AutelcoreTechnology or IntegrationAutel diagnostic scan tools distributor. Products include MaxiSYS ULTRA, MS919, MS909, MS906S MAX, MaxiDAS DS900EUBT, and MaxiCHECK MX900C diagnostic tablets.
• Delphi (Delphi Technologies)coreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Delphi diagnostic equipment including DS480, DS180, DS150, DS450 testers, YDT hydraulic diagnostic testers, and common rail diesel test equipment.
• BoschcoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Bosch diagnostic equipment including KTS series, FSA series, BEA emission analysers, ADAS calibration systems, and diesel test sets.
• TexacoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Texa diagnostic equipment including Axone series, TXT Multihub, and Konfort air conditioning stations. Products for cars, trucks, fleet, agricultural, construction, motorcycle, and marine applications.
• MAHLE/Brain BeecoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of MAHLE Brain Bee air conditioning and sanitisation equipment including 03-NEX ozone generator and compatible air conditioning service stations.
• Advanced DiagnosticscoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Advanced Diagnostics products including Smart Pro, Zed-FULL Plus, Smart Pro Mini, AD100Pro, and MVP Pro key programmers with Info Quest database.
• SilcacoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Silca key cutting equipment including EvoX, Futura Auto, Futura Pro, Unocode, X-Cut, Delta series, and key blanks.
• BeissbarthcoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Beissbarth wheel alignment and ADAS calibration equipment including 3D+, CCD+, Q-Lign systems, and Tyre changer equipment.
• AutopStenhoj / StenhojcoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Stenhoj vehicle lifts including Maestro series, Major series, and Mistral models. Manufactured in Denmark with powder coating finishing.
• CTEKcoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of CTEK EV charging cables including Mode 2 and Mode 3 cables, Type 1 to Type 2, and Type 2 to Type 2 configurations up to 22kW.
• GEA (Garage Equipment Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation membership. GEA accredited engineers carry out installations and certifications for garage equipment.
• MLA (Master Locksmiths Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation membership shown in footer, indicating locksmith industry partnership.
• Auto EDUcoreTechnology or IntegrationDistributor of Auto EDU automotive educational equipment including engine trainers, electric vehicle trainers, hybrid trainers, and table-top trainers for vocational training.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Snap-on UK: Snap-on UK distributes professional diagnostic scan tools, wheel alignment, and garage equipment to automotive workshops through direct franchise vans — directly comparable to Hickleys' B2B diagnostic and garage equipment model serving UK workshops and MOT centres.
• Launch Tech UK: Launch Tech is a global diagnostic equipment manufacturer with UK distribution of X-431 series scan tools and ADAS calibration systems, competing head-to-head with Hickleys' Autel/Bosch/Delphi offerings in the same workshops.
• Autel UK: Autel is both a Hickleys supplier and a competing channel: its MaxiSYS series tablets are sold via Hickleys' authorized distribution and also via Autel's own UK direct sales, creating direct channel overlap on the same SKU set and customer base.
• Machine Mart: Machine Mart is a UK retailer of professional tools, garage equipment and diagnostic consumables, competing with Hickleys across wheel alignment, lifting, and entry-level diagnostic SKUs via catalogue and e-commerce channels.

Broad incumbents

• Bosch UK Automotive Aftermarket: Bosch UK distributes its own diagnostic tablets, ADAS calibration, emission analysers and diesel test sets through both authorized partners (including Hickleys) and direct OEM channels, overlapping broadly with Hickleys' diagnostic and garage equipment catalog but as part of a much wider global portfolio.
• Delphi Technologies (PHINIA) UK: Delphi Technologies — now part of PHINIA — supplies DS testers and YDT hydraulic diagnostic systems through Hickleys as authorized UK distributor but also via direct channels and competing distributors in diesel diagnostics and engine management.
• Texa UK: Texa distributes Axone Nemo diagnostic tablets and Konfort air conditioning stations across multiple European markets including the UK, overlapping with Hickleys' diagnostic and AC equipment portfolio though Texa's primary focus is on its own OEM channels.
• MAHLE Aftermarket UK: MAHLE Aftermarket (via Brain Bee) supplies AC service stations and ozone sanitisation equipment that Hickleys distributes, while also maintaining its own European distribution network for workshop solutions serving overlapping automotive service customers.

Emerging players

• Pico Technology: Pico Technology is a UK-based oscilloscope specialist whose PicoScope EV Kit is sold by Hickleys as a diagnostic tool, while Pico also sells direct to automotive engineers — making it both a partner and emerging competitor in high-voltage EV diagnostics.

Regional players

• Euro Car Parts (LKQ Europe): Euro Car Parts is the UK's largest automotive parts distributor with a growing workshop equipment and tool offering; while primarily parts-focused, it overlaps with Hickleys on garage consumables, lifting, and lower-end diagnostic accessories in the same workshop buyer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HickleysLtd
• Facebookfacebook.com/hickleys
• Instagraminstagram.com/hickleygarageservices
• TikToktiktok.com/@hickleysltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hickleys