Director celebrates 20 years at family firm

Graham remembers those early days at the Peugeot franchise as an exciting but challenging time. “Glews had held the Talbot franchise for some time and was doing well but the number of Peugeot cars and the customers for them were few, this was a real challenge for Richwood. The 205 was a great selling car but it wasn’t until a couple of years later with the launch of the 206 and 306 that we started to make inroads and by the time the 406 was launched Peugeot had a market share of 8%”

In 1993 Graham was appointed General Manager. This was a time of great change for the business, the Aftersales market started to grow and the business expanded with the building of a new petrol station on the M62 Junction 36 site. “These days were long and hard” remembers Graham “but working with Tim Richardson the Managing Director and the rest of the team we were able to achieve some great results”

In 1997 Graham was appointed a Director of the firm which was testament to the hard work and commitment he had delivered to the business. When asked what it has been like working for Glews over the years Graham says “there is no doubt there have been stressful and challenging times, but this job has given me opportunities to develop I never thought possible. I have met so many interesting people and been fortunate to travel in Europe meeting with Peugeot and Vauxhall attending new product launches and dealer meetings”

“The most enjoyable part of this job is the people, those that I have worked with over the years and the customers that come through our doors. I have made many great friends and that is the real reward.”

Tim Richardson, Managing Director said “Graham has been a huge asset to our business, his commitment to us and to our customers has made a real contribution to our success over the last 20 years. He has a lot of energy and is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, something which our business is built on.”

So what does Graham predict for the next 20 years? “I can’t see that there will be much change once we return to a more stable economy. We may be funding our cars differently by moving away from out and out ownership and we will see more alternative fuel vehicles but we will still need a guy with a spanner to fix them!”

“Personally I'll be 74 and that’s a sobering thought! If the bankers in London don’t spend my pension I’ll be on ship in the Caribbean, if they do I’ll be cutting the grass and attending to the garden.”

Glews Garage is the trading name for Jos Richardson and Son Ltd, a Yorkshire based, family run business that has been in operation for 120 years. Throughout their history they have operated in many different markets - today they are motor retail experts with an annual turnover of £30m. They operate a full Peugeot dealership and Vauxhall franchise, with a recovery and accident repair centre, at their site in Goole, East Yorkshire as well as 4 service stations all located in Yorkshire.

For press enquires please contact:   Jane Richardson on tel: 01405 764525 or email: jer@josrichardson.co.uk