A Redditch garage family have told of their joy after finally being able to unite their business on a single site in the town.
Following a long search, the Hogan brothers – Kevin, Gary and Steve – have bought a former Royal Mail vehicle repair depot on Arthur Street on Lakeside Industrial Estate.
They paid an undisclosed six-figure sum.
It has only happened with the support of property agents John Truslove and comes on the 25th anniversary of the brothers launching their business.
To raise the purchase price sacrifices had to be made, with some much loved classic cars having to be sold including Jaguar E and S Types and two old MGs.
But there are no regrets.
Kevin, partner in the firm, said: “We have sold just about everything we have to finance the purchase, but it is going to be worth it. The only way is up. It is ideal for us.
“We feel like we have won the National Lottery. We are so chuffed. We are over the moon and can’t believe we have done it.”
Of a total of 15 employees, there are a number of other family members.
Kevin went on: “There is my wife, my son, Gary’s son, Steve’s son, my brother-in-law and my mum still comes along to do a spot of cleaning … and she’s 84.
“We all look forward to her visits because she also serves up a lovely breakfast and plans to keep on doing so, helped by better facilities, in the new place.”
Kevin said he hoped the improved economics offered by the move would enable the business to keep repair costs to the public at reasonable levels. “This is a family business and our reputation is important to us.”
Centred on vehicle servicing and used car sales – the latter now amount to £1 million in turnover a year – it used to be spread across three sites in Redditch. That consisted of a showroom in Arthur Street, electrics and tyres in Howard Road and a service centre on New Meadow Road.
“The opportunity to buy and put everything on the one site came just as one of the leases was up – it couldn’t have happened at a better moment,” said Kevin. “We had been pondering how we could keep going.”
The new complex takes in two workshops, offices, a tyre store and yard on a 0.9 acre site.
The brothers are currently refurbishing the property, moving the car sales side in and creating a showroom. The garage servicing arm will follow.
It is hoped to have everything up and running around October when an open day celebration is planned.
“We have built the business up from small beginnings and, for us, this is a big achievement,” said Kevin. “We really feel proud.”
Ian Parker, partner in John Truslove, who acted for Royal Mail on the transaction, said: “This is great for the Hogans.
“We were aware they were looking for a new home and it is fantastic for all parties concerned that this opportunity became available.
“We were so pleased to be able to help.”
The Hogans are service specialists for both Jaguar and MG Rover.
Arthur Street is an established “old town” commercial location in Redditch where the majority of neighbouring properties are factories, showrooms and offices.