There was definitely a Big Mike's in Darlington back in the day - no relation. I know a guy who bought an XR2 off him once, but the less said about that the better. As for me, I'm based in the West Midlands. I can't tell you where or I'd have to shoot you.
Where did it go wrong? It didn't. I did main dealer stuff for Austin-Rover, Fiat and Citroen but went independent in around 1990. Cheap stuff always sells. Plus, the cars are more interesting if you're a grizzly old petrolhead with a fondness for old Jags.