Press Kit - Information & Resources for Media

Contact Information

For any details not covered on this page, please feel free to reach out to either Charlie or Mitchell.

Website: https://www.utopiaplates.co.uk/

Location: Unit 1, Dragonville Industrial Park, Dragon Lane, Durham, DH1 2XJ

Telephone: 0800 689 4795

Opening Hours: 09:30am - 16:30pm

Business Story

Charlie and Mitchell's journey towards creating Utopia Plates was not a straight path, but it was certainly filled with the thrill of entrepreneurship and a strong drive to succeed. Both having attended Sunderland College together, they parted ways only to be reunited by their shared entrepreneurial spirit in 2018. Their mutual interest in business, coupled with Mitchell's discovery of 3D Gel Resin number plates, set the wheels in motion for the creation of Utopia Plates.

Their venture began when Charlie procured the required materials and Mitchell secured a loan to purchase the first batch of stock. On October 6th, 2018, the first number plate was produced, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. What started as a local sensation soon expanded into an online business when they decided to create an eCommerce store.

Utopia Plates quickly rose to prominence on Google and earned a reputation as a top-tier Registered Number Plate Supplier, renowned for its uncompromising quality and exceptional customer service. Buoyed by their success, the duo ventured into the B2B wholesale market with a company named Plate Supplies in November 2019, only to later sell it to one of their suppliers in February 2021.

Recognising the need for expansion, Utopia Plates moved to a new, prestigious location in Dragonville Industrial Park in June 2021. This marked another significant phase in their journey, providing them with a dedicated walk-in store. But their ambition didn't stop there. On April 1st, 2022, they signed a contract with a digital development agency to revolutionise their website, introducing an innovative 3D instant preview number plate builder and a super search functionality for personalised number plates.

Finally, on May 15th, 2023, the new website quietly went live and was immediately met with tremendous success. The official launch on September 1st, 2023, was a grand celebration of this innovative platform, marking the duo's accomplishment in bringing a significant breakthrough to the number plate industry.

Today, Utopia Plates continues to strive towards becoming a highly recognised and trusted brand in the number plate and private registration industry. Their goal is to become a go-to solution that customers can trust and rely on for years to come. The journey of Charlie and Mitchell serves as a testament to their innovative spirit, dedication, and unwavering commitment to revolutionising the industry.

Mission Statement

At Utopia Plates, our mission is to revolutionise the private registrations and number plate industry by providing an all-inclusive, innovative solution. We are dedicated to stringent adherence to legal requirements, while ensuring swift and efficient service delivery. Our commitment to perfect customer service is unwavering, as we strive to exceed expectations, one customer at a time. Through our dedication and innovation, we aim to redefine excellence in our industry.

Company Fact Sheet

Started in October 2018
Incorporated as a Limited Company in November 2018
Headquarters based in Dragonville Industrial Park, Durham
Originally serving the premium three-dimensional number plate market
In 2023 we expanded into serving private/personalised registrations
Currently a handful of employees but looking to rapidly expand
Served over 50,000 customers combined online and in-store
Both founders are young entrepreneurs, born in Sunderland in June 1995

Products & Services

Number Plates

We offer a wide selection of fully road legal premium number plate options, ranging from the standard printed letter style, up to the exclusive GHOST letter style. A full list of our number plates and fixing kits can be found at the shop page.

Private Registrations

As a reseller of DVLA Private Registrations, we have a database of over 70 million personalised registrations available for sale. In the third quarter of 2023, we aim to have a vast selection of exclusive pre-owned registrations as well, with prices ranging up to £250,000.

Services

To complement our private registration sales, we offer services to make the lives of our customers easier, in particular our Done-For-You Transfer Service, in which our skilled team will apply the vehicle's registration to the customer's vehicle for them, completing all necessary paperwork.

Bios

Charles Cook - Co-founder of Utopia Plates

Charlie is an accomplished professional with a solid foundation in technology and a passion for business. He completed his Information Technology studies at Sunderland College, earning three Distinctions, and further advanced his knowledge by pursuing a BSc in Ethical Hacking for Computer Security from Northumbria University, where he graduated with First-Class Honours.

During university, Charlie also gained valuable experience as a Software Engineer, sharpening his skills in the tech industry. Despite his success in the tech field, Charlie's heart was always set on entrepreneurship. He sought an avenue where he could blend his expertise in technology with his desire for building businesses.

Co-founding Utopia Plates was the fulfilment of this aspiration, as he successfully brought his tech-savvy approach to a traditional industry, creating a unique blend of innovation and service. His passion for business continues to drive the growth and success of Utopia Plates today.

Mitchell Anderson - Co-founder of Utopia Plates

Mitchell, a driven and dedicated entrepreneur, began his journey to business ownership early on. Leaving Sunderland College prematurely, he chose to follow his entrepreneurial instincts, establishing a successful mobile car valeting company. This venture offered him the opportunity to refine his skills in communication, sales, and business management, all critical aspects of running a successful company.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Mitchell sold his first enterprise and embarked on a new venture: a window tinting company. This move not only demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit but also showcased his adaptability, revealing his ability to learn new industries and achieve success across varied fields.

Mitchell's entrepreneurial journey took an exciting turn when he reconnected with Charlie, an old college friend. Together, they co-founded Utopia Plates, leveraging their combined skills and experiences. Today, Mitchell brings his sharp business acumen and deep understanding of customer service to the company, driving its continued growth and success.