I think you may aswell just open the yellow pages, close your eyes and us which ever one your finger lands on. I got my last MOT done at a place that came highly recommended and they ended up failing me on numerous things that should not have failed.
Some councils undertake MOT testing for members of the public - at least you know that any work stated to be required is correct - they dont do the work , so gain no benefit .
Spoke to the man at the Bodyshop. He told me what MOT centre he used. Said to tell them that I have my own mechanic to do repairs and that I was sent by him.
bast thing is to find a mot station that doesn't do repairs (like the 1 i use) as i believe this way they won't fail it to get repair money on repairs that don't need doing.