Success of car dealership runs in family for 88 years
A Whaplode Drove car dealership is taking the term “family-run business” to new levels as it celebrates almost 90 years of service.
WH Brand in Broadgate has been a model for customer loyalty since William Horace Brand started selling bicycles, motor bikes and petrol in 1925.
It currently trades as a main dealer for Chevrolet, including what is believed to be the world’s first electrically powered car.
Martyn Brand, dealer principal at the showroom, said: “My father Fred was born on the same day that the business was being started by my grandfather, William Brand.
“He was having a sign made for the premises where the business was and my grandfather asked for the words ‘and Son’ to be added to ‘WH Brand,’ so my dad was destined to play a role in the business from day one.
“He works in our reception every day, chatting to customers and making them feel welcome.
“But he also does a bit of running around for us too when he’s not with our customers.”
The firm employs 15 staff, including Margaret Chilvers who has been with WH Brand for 50 years, Luke Parlett who was named Chevrolet’s Top Technician in 2011 and sales manager Adam Brand who is Martyn’s son.
“We’re well-known in the area for the family-friendly nature of our business and we have a very loyal customer base, covering a 25-mile radius from Peterborough to King’s Lynn,” Martyn said.
“People ask us how we sell cars in the middle of nowhere and we say we’re in the middle of everywhere.”
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Weather for Spalding
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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Light showers
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