Expansion move for Lincoln-based Fone Doctor

An expanding mobile phone repairs and accessories business has answered the call of the High Street by making a relocation move.

Chartered surveyor Banks Long & Co has acted for its client Lincolnshire Co-op in leasing the city’s former Game outlet (opposite the city’s House of Fraser store) to Fone Doctor, which has switched from its old shop in the Sincil Street area.

Fone Doctor Director Colin Hocknell – who started the business 28 years ago in Lincoln Market – said the news marks the latest move by the company which has 11 of its own stores, based in an area stretching from Leeds to Grantham, and five franchised outlets further afield.

“We have three in the Lincoln area, one based within Tesco’s Wragby Road site, another in North Hykeham and our new, larger city centre shop,” he said.

“As a business, I and my fellow directors had been searching for alternative central premises in Lincoln for some time. We now have one in a prime location which, hopefully, will attract extra footfall.”

Colin, who employs 35 staff across his own stores has taken on two extra staff for his High Street outlet.

Fone Doctor concentrates on the repair of everything from mobile telephones to consoles, laptops, tablets. It also sells a range of pay-as-you-go mobiles, batteries and accessories including screen savers, data leads and charger packs. The business is also an Alcatel main dealership.

Whilst provide a service to the general public, Fone Doctor is a supplier to major companies and schools. Colin is hoping to build on these services and to also sell more phones.

Banks Long & Co Director Lewis Cove said: “We are delighted to have acted for Lincolnshire Co-op in leasing Fone Doctor’s new High Street unit. At 1,152 sq ft, it is considerably larger than the company’s previous premises and tailored to its growing needs.

“Despite the challenges facing the ever-changing retail market, Fone Doctor’s move is another example of how Lincoln continues to buck national trends and attract both new and expanding national and independent businesses, who are always looking for good locations where they can capture the best footfall, including passing trade. We wish Colin and his team increasing success in the future.”