Allen Childs

Roadside Services Regional Manager

Allen Childs is a Regional Manager at The AA, with extensive experience in roadside assistance, vehicle repair, recovery operations, team development and operational leadership.

Based in South Essex, Allen began his career in the motor industry at 16 as an Army Apprentice. After qualifying as an Army vehicle mechanic, he gained hands-on experience working across a wide range of military vehicles, from motorcycles through to heavy trucks. This gave him a strong technical foundation in challenging, practical environments.

After nearly eight years of service, Allen joined The AA as a Patrol. Over the next 20 years, he attended breakdowns at the roadside, supported his local team with coaching, and assisted The AA as part of its flood response team. He later moved into a Performance Leader role, managing both Breakdown and Recovery Patrols while helping local teams with compliance, coaching and the development of new patrols.

Allen continued to progress within The AA, later becoming Regional Manager for East London. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on operational performance, team development and delivering high standards of service in demanding conditions, while staying close to his roots of solving problems at the roadside and helping members when they need support most.

Allen has a long-standing passion for driving and vehicle reliability in all conditions. He also has a strong interest in emerging vehicle technology, having driven electric vehicles since 2011. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycle touring.

Awards and qualifications

City & Guilds – Motor Vehicle Repair, Light and Heavy Goods
IMI Level 2 – Electric Vehicles
ILM Level 3 & Level 5 – Leadership & Management
Transport Manager CPC – Heavy Goods Vehicles

Recent reviews

Mercedes E Class

4.1/5

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always offered style and class in the executive car class, and that’s especially the case with this current generation. While it may not offer a thrilling driving experience, it unquestionably places comfort at the top of its priorities and has all of the latest tech on board. The E-Class has a broad engine range, with the super-efficient plug-in hybrids being a good option for those who might not be ready to go pure electricity yet. Meanwhile, the estate, with its cavernous boot, could be ideal for families who desire a premium load-lugger but don’t want an SUV.

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BMW X1

4.0/5

The X1 has been the smallest SUV in the BMW range for a number of years now, and always traded on a sporty image and high driver engagement levels. But it has often been a very practical car, and that’s particularly the case with the current model as it offers class-leading space inside. With this blend of engaging handling, high level of standard equipment, and a practical interior, it’s little wonder that it’s a popular car in the UK, both new and used.

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Land Rover Defender

4.0/5

There was a fair bit of noise when Land Rover relaunched the Defender. It revived a name that had been worn by one of the most legendary off-roaders and when it returned as a more road-focused option, many felt this car had lost its way. However, since then, it has become clear that Land Rover was right with its ‘new’ Defender and today, it’s the brand’s most popular model. Available in a variety of specifications and several engine options, it remains a car that few people would turn down the chance to own.

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Toyota RAV4

4.2/5

With the first version of the model introduced over 30 years ago, the Toyota RAV4 is rightly seen as one of the pioneers of the compact family SUV market. A global best-seller and now in its fifth generation, with a newcomer on the horizon, the RAV4 continues to set benchmarks for reliability, practicality, and efficiency. It's designed to suit a wide range of drivers, from families to those needing something a little more rugged and capable of handling light terrain.

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Mazda 3

4.3/5

While cars like the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus tend to dominate the family hatchback space, the Mazda 3 thrives in the background. It doesn't grab the spotlight, but concentrates on offering something unique. The current, fourth-generation Mazda 3 appeared in 2019 and marked something of a departure for the Japanese brand. Mazda elevated the 3 into a semi-premium space, making it a rival for not just the established competition like the Volkswagen Golf, but also other hatchbacks.

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Tesla Model 3

4.1/5

Tesla is arguably the pioneer of mainstream electric movement and the Model 3 has rapidly cemented itself as one of the best-selling EVs in the world. Its compact proportions, excellent efficiency and Tesla’s highly convenient network of Superchargers make it an obvious choice for those thinking of making the switch to an electric car.

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MINI Cooper

4.0/5

Starting out in life as an icon of the swinging sixties, the Mini is renowned the world over for its distinctive design and go-kart-like handling. Now under the ownership of BMW, the current car lives on as a modern hatchback, albeit with more than a few pieces of retro styling. The Mini Cooper is now available as an electric for the first time. Available in three-door, five-door or convertible form, the current Mini continues to enjoy widespread appeal, thanks in no small part to its fun and engaging driving dynamics.

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