Hendy History by DenfieldAdvertising

ESTABLISHED 1898

HendyGroup 150 YEARS OF HISTORY

Copyright October 2010 Hendy Holdings Limited. Registered Office: 360 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3UF. Edition 5.

HENDY HISTORY CONTENTS PAGE

HENDY HISTORY

CONTENTS LOCATIONS PAST AND PRESENT

PAGE 2

FAMILY TREE THE HENDY FAMILY

PAGE 4

CHAPTER ONE BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE

PAGE 6

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE

PAGE 10

CHAPTER THREE TRUCKS, TRAINS AND EASTERN PROMISE

PAGE 16

CHAPTER FOUR CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD

PAGE 22

Hereford LOCATIONS PAST & PRESENT

Cheltenham Gloucester

11 9

PAST AND PRESENT

HENDY LOCATIONS 7

BRISTOL Bath

Barnstaple Shaftesbury Yeovil 11

Bude Exeter

Poole

Exmouth

Weymouth

Bodmin

PLYMOUTH Roche

PREVIOUS HENDY LOCATIONS

BOURNEMOUTH YEOMANS WAY - HENDY BODY BOSCOMBE - HENDY FORD LANSDOWNE - HENDY FORD

BROCKENHURST

SOUTHAMPTON

FORDSON (TRACTORS)

40 miles

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 kilometres

VINCENT’S WALK - HENDY BODY POUND TREE ROAD - HENDY FORD EAST STREET - BICYCLES & CLOTHING SOUTHFRONT - HENDY FORD MILLBROOK - HENDY VAN & TRUCK BRUNSWICK PLACE - BICYCLES QUEENSWAY - PETROL STATION EMPRESS ROAD - BODYSHOP & PARTS BASSETT - MAYBUSH FILLING STATION

Milton Keynes

Colchester

Luton Oxford Watford Swindon

LONDON Ramsgate Basingstoke

Maidstone Guildford

Salisbury

Winchester 16 2

Folkestone

Crawley

SOUTHAMPTON 3

1 2

14 13

6 15

Hastings

Chichester

Brighton

Portsmouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth

CURRENT HENDY LOCATIONS 4

WHITCHURCH CHURCH STREET BICYCLES & CLOTHING

PORTSMOUTH HAVANT - HENDY FORD FRATTON - HENDY FORD FARLINGTON - HENDY BODY WATERLOOVILLE - HENDY FORD SOUTHSEA - HENDY FORD

BARNSTAPLE

HENDY HONDA 8

HEREFORD

GLOUCESTER

CHANDLER’S FORD RAPID FIT HENDY HIRE THE ANNEXE HENDY FORD HENDY BODY POWER PRODUCTS

SOUTHAMPTON

HENDY FORD HENDY HONDA RAPID FIT

HENDY FORD HENDY VAN & TRUCK HENDY KIA HENDY POWER

HENDY HIRE 2

CHANDLER’S FORD HENDY VAN & TRUCK

EASTBOURNE

CHELTENHAM

HENDY HIRE

HENDY HIRE 12

ROCHE HENDY VAN & TRUCK

HENDY VAN & TRUCK FORD SERVICE 11

FAREHAM

HEDGE END

PORTSMOUTH

HENDY PARTS

YEOVIL EXETER HENDY HONDA HENDY VAN & TRUCK HENDY CAR SUPERMARKET FORD SERVICE

CHICHESTER HENDY FORD RAPID FIT

WINCHESTER HENDY FORD HENDY MAZDA HENDY HONDA

POOLE

HENDY VAN & TRUCK HENDY HONDA 16

ROMSEY

HENDY FORD

EASTLEIGH HENDY FORD HENDY KIA HENDY MAZDA RAPID FIT

HENDY VAN & TRUCK 6

HENDY HIRE 3

COSHAM

MARCHWOOD FORD SERVICE

HASTINGS HENDY HIRE

SEGENSWORTH HENDY BODY

HENDY FORD HENDY BODY

FAMILY TREE THE HENDY FAMILY

FAMILY TREE

THE HENDY FAMILY TREE THE HENDY FAMILY. 1

FREDERICK ADOLPHUS HENDY (1834 -1923)

FREDERICK WILLIAM HENDY (1864 -1939)

ALFRED ERNEST HENDY (1870 -1928)

ELIZABETH ANNIE HENDY (1872-1951)

PERCY FRANK HENDY (1874 -1956)

ARTHUR VINTON HENDY (1905-1977)

GORDON VINTON HENDY (1904 -1964)

ELLA CONSTANCE HENDY (1895 -1998)

NORMAN VINTON HENDY (1938-)

BRIAN FREDERICK HENDY (1946-)

JOHN PAUL HENDY (1972-)

STEPHEN VINTON HENDY (1966-)

PAUL ANTHONY HENDY (1967-)

THE HENDY FAMILY TREE CAN BE TRACED BACK SEVEN GENERATIONS TO WILLIAM HENDY, THE FATHER OF FREDERICK ADOLPHUS HENDY, THE FOUNDER OF THE HENDY GROUP. 1

THOMAS

WILLIAM CORELLI PACIELLO

JOSEPH HENRY

1791- Unkown

1793 -1874

1796 -1875

Mary Smith 1800 -1886

FREDERICK ADOLPHUS 1834 -1923

Annie Bullock

Mary Vinton

1878 -1936

1832-1903

DELITIA

WILLIAM EVERARD

1836 -1914

1837-1860

Timothy Nixon 1823 -1887

MARY JANE

FREDERICK WILLIAM

WILLIAM EVERARD VINTON

ALFRED ERNEST

ELIZABETH ANNIE

PERCY FRANK

1863 -1937

1865-1939

1868 -1885

1870 -1928

1872 -1951

1874 -1956

Eugenie Rogers

Fanny Farwell

Maud Dixon

Florence Burt

1871-1956

1878 -1907

1874 -1953

1880 -1949

ELLA CONSTANCE

GORDON VINTON

ARTHUR VINTON

JOAN FRANCES

1895-1998

1904 -1964

1905 -1977

1907-1936

Phyllis Baker

Lottie Fagan

1909 -1985

1908 -1938

NORMAN VINTON

BRIAN FREDERICK

1938 -

1946 -

Myra Lanning

Margaret Yarrow

1936 -

1948 -

STEPHEN VINTON

PAUL ANTHONY

JOHN PAUL

CLARE ELIZABETH

CHRISTINE LOUISE

1966 -

1967-

1972-

1974 -

1977-

Denise Garrett

Rebecca Sandham

Sarah Williams

1963 -

1970 -

1968 -

CHLOE LOUISE

WILLIAM ANTHONY

ELLIE MAE

BENJAMIN JAMES

1997-

2000-

2002-

CHAPTER ONE BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE Below: East Street, Southampton. Circa 1900. Below (right): The original Whitchurch shop 4 Church Street.

CHAPTER ONE

BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE The year is 1859. Big Ben sounds for the first time, Charles

frame and iron banded wheels, but is highly popular – replacing

Darwin publishes his Origin of Species and work starts on the

the dandyhorse which people had to propel by walking.

Suez Canal. Brunel also majestically bridges the Tamar at Cycle shops of this era were, to all intents and purposes,

Saltash, opening up rail travel from Cornwall to Devon.

cycle manufacturers. So FA Hendy was building bikes from Meanwhile, a little further east in an ancient Hampshire village

pre-manufactured components, then branding the finished

called Whitchurch, another important event is occurring.

products. Hendy’s specialty was the ‘Falcon’.

Frederick Adolphus Hendy is setting up shop selling bicycles and outdoor clothing. This is the start of the Hendy story and is the first sign of the insight and initiative so much in evidence throughout Hendy’s history. Frederick Adolphus Hendy is living at home with his parents at 4 Church Street, Whitchurch, where his father William uses the premises for his own business as a shoemaker. His entry into the market is timed to perfection – there are great developments in the world of bicycles. The velocipede the forerunner of the modern bicycle – has pedals to speed progress along cobbled streets, albeit not that comfortably. It becomes known as the ‘bone-shaker’ because of its rigid

1859 Frederick Adolphus Hendy sets up business in Whitchurch.

1850

1851

1852

1853

1854

1855

1856

1857

1858

1859

1860

1861

1862

CHAPTER ONE BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE Left: Frederick Adolphus Hendy, founder of the Hendy Group. Below: Emblem of the Falcon bicycle.

1865 Relocation from Whitchurch to East Street, Southampton.

1863

1864

1865

1866

1867

1868

1869

1870

1871

1872

1873

1874

1875

1876

1877

1878

1879

1880

1881

1882

1883

1884

1885

1886

1887

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CHAPTER ONE BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE

Left: The bicycle manufacturing works in East Street, Southampton. Frederick Adolphus Hendy pictured in the front row, behind the front wheel of the tandem bicycle. Circa 1900. Below: Hendy & Co. Advertisement for the ‘Quadrant’ tricycle. Circa 1900. Right: Norman Hendy driving the Hendy family-owned 1898 Benz.

TAKING THE UNUSUAL ROUTE Horse-drawn carriage businesses tended to progress naturally to the new horsepower of the day – the motor car – with blacksmiths acting as the first mechanics. However, Hendy did things differently, developing from two and three wheels to four. The transition from bicycles and tricycles was made tentatively right at the end of the 19th Century by linking up with Benz and Bolle. As their agents, Hendy began to sell cars all over the UK and FA Hendy became one of the first people to own a Benz. This horizontally-opposed two-cylinder car dating back to 1898 is still in the family’s possession. Percy Hendy, the youngest son of Frederick Adolphus Hendy, used to tell of the near catastrophe while delivering a new Benz model to a customer. On a hill, the drive belt broke and the car began to roll backwards. The quick-thinking Percy steered it into the bank at the side of the road but the car tipped over. Here it stayed until a drayman happened along with his horse and cart. Then, enlisting the help of a gang of convicts working nearby, the car was lifted onto the cart and taken for repairs to Shrewsbury – possibly via an alehouse or two - before delivery to the new owner in the Lake District.

1888

1889

1890

1891

1892

1893

1898

1899

Hendy becomes a Limited Company.

Capital & Counties Bank appointednow known as Lloyds TSB.

Hendy takes on agencies for Benz and Bolle.

1894

1895

1896

1897 1898

Frederick A. Hendy appointed Chairman and Managing Director.

1898

1899

1900

CHAPTER ONE BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE Below: East Street, Southampton. Circa 1900. Centre: Advertisement for F.A. Hendy & Co Ltd. Right: Extract from the Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journal. December 1900.

”, e “Solent King e “Falcon”, th origination: th cations and s ifi y’ ss nd cla He us s. rio of Messr e market in va s makes are e placed on th Three famou less een”. They ar be Qu t ly en ab ol ob “S pr would and the ches. as the ing concern s. portant bran big engineer today. So far different price selves-are im e its operation em pment of this ting, th lo of th la t r ve -p th fo un ro de wi co as e ct d ll ac th r ele we onise brief “A history of e premises fo r the trade as than even a th has synchr e nerated on th our readers years by the that its grow and plating-fo th interest th r ge g to y te wi is g in sa d la in ty ell e to he st ici th tc am ce re tr in te ffi En wa ec in su El ted We cles, but to of the d, then, let it s are in use. or cars etc. . Hendy, assis n cy ne en ot to m er sio F.A ov d s r. er of nc ie s M ga co nv pl . e or is co ap rg at on e La past , th ly as cumul hampt reasons, head of affairs executed a pplies the ac plating, not on ement of Sout Hendy have ed for family mains at the r and nickel which also su rapid advanc ction Messrs. ng been effect of his sons, re s of gold, silve lly vi re ty se ; also for the ua di ha ili es rt es is ab oc vi 97 ni th d – pr pa 18 t In an m us in en co etc. vario energy r steamship tock company tical managem old utensils he t-s ac eh ot in pr us d o-plated all jo e tr ho a an th ec of to le el as r st in ey Ca well a numbe business rther that th torship – as for the Union fu rie n rk op tio wo pr en of e m nt th ay large amou and leaving ches. We m , the e Queen’s laun 6 square feet ng of Siam. builders of th unchanged. rge of the Ki ore than 8,07 ba m re er ua at ve sq St co e ts for Benz, 80 gs th ,0 of 16 g ildin g bu tin in fit rk ed e Yo ce th They are agen d et an oms ex a front place. t a foot of ly any make no ng and store-ro pp s in East Stre ki at s su ta ise th d e om n, em ar an -ro , y pr tio ow e ny ec nd sh Th turing Compa d bands nt visit of insp rld Messrs. He of the works, ac owners not an ce e e uf wo g re ac th in an a or of M -sp ot irr of ts or m n or wh e an ot flo els rv eM In th occasio total d teach the se achinery-whe imler, and th m to us, on the an Da , d , ed s) an on ar er Di en iv pe . m dr ap De r. hicle Bolle, feet. It hire (with crowded with ent to anothe ter the new ve let motors on ilised. Each one departm e and look af of car. They all this unut our way from how to manag ck t ment, r pi bu ei to e, th d iv ha dr om fr to art thing establish only how revolving, we e ll-stocked clo years ago. Ap ad we en d -m te ly an ol e gh ei rg wh e m a la es.” lying s. Hendy run cycle trade so are specialti e trade, supp ture from works, Messr ts and suits y took up the makers to th Adjoining the They manufac hletic garmen Messrs. Hend ers, they are at s. r om ne he st hi t ot cu ac no d e m e at an ar of ng priv s, and rtions in which cycli business with own pattern or separate po s from their specialties e machines, a number of turn out part d , te or partly-mad ns no sig e W de . d d. d fitte awings an n of machine ing bored an their own dr hine or portio parts are be y type of mac floors. The scores of cycle ng e iri er pa confined to an wh , re e om d th ns. achinery ro partment an m’s operatio in the busy m eel-making de anch of the fir were the wh is another br y or ss ce Not less busy ac of of every sort manufacture

By the end of the First Word War Hendy was an agent for not only Benz, Bolle and Ford but for Charron, Morris-Cowley and Hortsman cars, along with commercial vehicles sales for Garner and Langham. Not wanting to miss out on all forms of transport, Hendy were also agents for Quadrant, Connaught and Douglas Motorcyles — an arm of the business with which Hendy is no longer associated.

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE Below: Pound Tree Road premises in Southampton during the early 1900s.

CHAPTER TWO

MODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE In May 1910, people were celebrating the accession of King

the moving assembly line technique pioneered by Ford in Detroit

George V. Later the same year, Hendy had more cause for

to speed up production even further.

celebration - it had just become the first official Ford Main Car transporters in those days were Hendy staff themselves,

Dealer in Great Britain.

who would travel to Manchester and drive the new vehicles The actual signing of the Dealership Agreement took place on

back to Southampton and then on to Hendy’s customers.

7th November 1910 between Percy Hendy and Ford Motor Company, who had arrived to announce the formation of the

Hendy was quick to capitalise on the Model T’s success by

Ford Motor Company in Great Britain. This famous meeting with

opening a new subsidiary in Boscombe, Bournemouth and

Percy Hendy, who had been given the role to expand the motor-

acquiring in 1913 an interest in the new Lennox Motor Company

car side of the business by his father, was one of the most

in Southsea, Portsmouth. Percy Hendy was later to secure a

significant events in the company’s history and set Hendy off

90% holding in the company.

on the road to success. The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 soon put the brake In 1911, the first UK Model T rolled off the production line at

on Hendy’s expanding car business. The Government’s call for

Trafford Park, Manchester. Within a couple of years it had

increased food production meant that Hendy was given the

become Europe’s largest car production plant and was installing

task of servicing and maintaining Fordson tractors.

Above: Boscombe workshop. Circa 1923.

1910 Hendy becomes Britain’s first Ford dealer.

1900

1901

1902

1903

1904

1905

1906

1907

1908

1909

1910

1911

1912

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE

The company was skilled in this, following its growing tractor and truck operations, so was able to make a vital contribution to the war effort.

FORD MODEL T Henry Ford (1863-1947) made his first car in his back yard in 1896. He founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and five years later launched the famous Model T, affectionately known as ‘Tin Lizzie’.

By the time the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 officially ending the War, Hendy was already back in the business of selling cars and commercial vehicles. There was a ready market - the public were clamouring for the new freedom afforded by the motor car and at £220 the Model T was over £100 cheaper than its rival the

Between 1908 and 1927, over 15 million Model Ts were produced at various factories, including Trafford Park in Manchester where production began in 1911. Model Ts production peaked at over 2 million vehicles in 1923 with over 150,000 built at Trafford Park.

Morris Cowley. Business was booming and in 1920 Hendy bought up the premises of Messrs Andrew Coachworks at 50-60 Above Bar Street, Southampton. This was the first of a number of property acquisitions

In the early days, Trafford Park imported the major mechanical parts from Detroit and used local suppliers for car bodies etc. By 1924, the Britishbuilt Model T was made from 94% British parts and sold for around £135. It is estimated that 600 British-built Model Ts still exist. A 1913 Model T Ford is still in Hendy’s possession today.

in the town, which left Hendy owning quite a sizeable chunk of Southampton’s main street. Around this time, FW Hendy broke away from day-to-day operations with Ford to set up a sales point for Singer, Humber and Austin. Sadly, in 1923 just as the Ford business was expanding, Frederick Adolphus Hendy died and Frederick W Hendy took over as Chairman

SPECIFICATION

and Managing Director.

20-hp engine, 4 cylinder in line L-head side valve with detachable cylinder head and 3 bearing crankshaft. Bore/Stroke 3 3/4 by 4” Displacement: 2895cc (177 cubic inches). A hand-lever under the steering wheel controlled acceleration. Three foot pedals operated the forward gears, reverse gear and brakes. Cruising speed was 33-40 mph and fuel consumption was 20-25 mpg. The chassis was built from finest quality vanadium steel - creating a tough lightweight construction with three-point suspension to both front and rear axles, transverse leaf springs and radius rods. Early Model Ts had acetylene headlamps and oil side and rear lamps and had to be hand cranked. Electric starters, lighting and horn were subsequently added. Instruments were minimal with speedometers optional. Different colours of Model Ts were produced from 1908 to 1914, and then again from 1926 to 1927. However, to speed assembly, between 1915 and 1925 it was available only in black. Above (left): Hendy Bros. press advertisement. Circa 1913. Left: Percy Hendy and his Model T Racer. Circa 1910.

1913

1914

New branch at Palmerston Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth.

Assists war effort by servicing Fordson tractors.

1913

1914

1915

1916

1917

1918

1920

1922

Premises acquired at Pound Tree Road, Southampton.

Controlling interest in Lennox Motor Company, Southsea.

1919

1920

1921

1922

1923 Frederick W. Hendy appointed Chairman & Managing Director upon the death of Frederick A. Hendy.

1923

1924

1923 Appointed Ford main dealer in Bournemouth.

1925

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE

Below Left: Sir Malcolm Campbell in Bluebird. Circa 1938.

FINDING BUSINESS TAXING

Below: Palmerston Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth. Circa 1938.

Worryingly, as the 1920s progressed, car prices tumbled and

After four years of dealing with declining sales of the Model T,

business became more difficult. One reason for this was the

in 1928 Percy Hendy eventually got a new model to sell - the

new horsepower tax known as the RAC rating. This hit the 2.9-

Model A - but it wasn’t until 1932 that Ford had the answer to

litre Ford hard, benefiting the lesser-powered Morris.

the diminutive, tax-cheating Austin 7. The new 8hp Y Type was

Right: F.A.Hendy & Co motorcycle advertisement. Far Right: Percy Hendy Ltd V-8 advertisement.

considerably quicker and roomier than the Austin, making it Hendy’s response was to form Percy Hendy Limited, a company

highly popular - especially when it started selling for just £100.

to deal specifically with Ford business. In the same year, 1923, the Bournemouth subsidiary became a fully fledged Ford Main Dealer in its own right.

A MOVING EXPERIENCE FOR STAFF By now, Ford Motor Company had moved production to Dagenham.

and agricultural implement depot at Chandler’s Ford was built,

Percy Hendy Limited also moved its operation, not once, not twice,

along with a new addition to the group - a petrol station at

but several times. Indeed, if you were an employee of the company

Bassett. Later the same year, Sir Malcolm Campbell, a family

in the 1930s, you could be excused for wondering where you would

friend, took time out from his land and water speed record

be working next.

attempts to open the Chandler’s Ford site. Campbell was the

With each port of call in Southampton, the Company was able to enlarge and develop the motor business. Bicycles weren’t forgotten though, and a new company called Accessories was set up in 1924. This was housed in a property in Brunswick Place, Southampton and specialised in bicycle sales and wholesaling.

first person to drive an automobile over 300 miles per hour and the next year he would set the world water speed record on Coniston Water in Bluebird K4. In1939 Frederick W. Hendy died and his younger brother Percy Hendy was appointed Managing Director and Chairman. However, 1939 would be remembered for a more sombre event - the outbreak of World WarII.

One important move was the opening in 1926 of the Palmerston Road depot in Southampton. This brought the servicing and repair of commercial vehicles under one roof - creating the finest facilities and operation in the South. In 1938 Vincent’s Walk, Southampton was redeveloped into an impressive site with showrooms, lubrication service bays, workshops and offices. At the same time, the Hendy tractor

1925

1926

1931

1932

1936

1937

Palmerston Road, Southampton dealership opens.

Relocation at Empress Road, Southampton.

HQ relocated to Pound Tree Road, Southampton.

Relocation at Palmerston Road, Southampton.

Vincent’s Walk, Southampton premises acquired.

1926

1927

1928

1929

1930

1931

1932

1933

1934

1935

1936

1937

1938

1939

1940

Major development at Vincent s Walk premises.

Hendy helps to build Spitfire planes.

Pound Tree Road destroyed by German bombing.

1938

1939

1938 Chandler s Ford site opens.

1940

1941

1942

1939 Percy F. Hendy appointed Chairman & Managing Director upon the death of Frederick W. Hendy.

1943

1944

1945

1946

1947

1948

1949

1950

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE

Below: Percy Hendy Ltd, Chandler’s Ford. 1950s. Right: Ford Saloon advertisement. Far Right: Vincent’s Walk & Palmerston Road advertisement. Opposite Top: Vincent’s Walk premises. Circa 1938. Opposite Centre: Hendy Bros parts delivery van. Opposite Bottom: Fordson Tractor display at Brockenhurst Show. Circa 1950.

en op e s ea Pl

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE

GETTING SPITFIRES OFF THE GROUND Heavy bombing of Southampton in 1940 resulted in several Hendy branches being destroyed, including the company’s headquarters in Pound Tree Road. As a result, the new HQ became a bungalow - situated behind a company-owned petrol service station in Bassett. Another casualty of enemy action was the commercial depot at Palmerston Road, which had been converted into Auxiliary Army workshops. The factory of Supermarine – the manufacturers of the famous Spitfire aircraft – was also badly damaged at the start of the War, which led to the Ministry of Aircraft Production requisitioning Hendy’s Vincent’s Walk and Chandler’s Ford premises to build Spitfire planes. Similarly, the Southsea premises were commandeered to help the war effort, with the workshop being used to make anti-submarine nets. Interestingly, another close Hendy link with the Spitfire was the fact that, during the War, Gordon V Hendy worked with the Supermarine Racing Team and was a development engineer for its Rolls Royce Merlin engine.

CHOCKS AWAY BUT NOT FLYING Once hostilities were over in 1945, the public were in a euphoric mood and clamoured for cars. These were in short supply though and so rather than being able to grow through new car sales, Percy Hendy Limited had to be content with keeping prewar cars in working order. It was a frustrating time for the company, but the 1950s would bring a resurgence of business.

THE SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE The famous Supermarine Spitfire, designed by RJ Mitchell, was a single-seat fighter plane used by the RAF and many allied countries in World War II. As with many other notable warplanes of the day, it was powered by the exceptional Rolls-Royce Merlin - a 12 cylinder, 60o â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vâ&#x20AC;?, 27-litre, liquid-cooled piston aircraft engine. Much loved by those who flew it, the Spitfire was the only fighter aircraft to be in continual production before, during and after the war. Some Spitfires remained in service well into the 1950s.

CHAPTER TWO MODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE

CHAPTER THREE TRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE

Below: Portrait of Percy F. Hendy. Below Right: Hendy Ford showroom, Cosham. 1958. Far Right: Thames House in Chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ford. 1960s.

CHAPTER THREE

TRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE

1956 New Cosham dealership built trading as Gordon Motors.

1950

1951

1952

1953

1954

1955

1956

1960

Arthur V Hendy becomes Chairman after the death of Percy F. Hendy.

Golden Jubilee as a Ford dealer.

1957

1958

1959

1960

1961

1962

In the post-war years many changes occurred, with the company developing into one of Britain’s leading Ford Dealer groups. The arrival of the new Consul and Zephyr Six in 1950, the 100E Anglia/Prefect in 1953 and the powerful Mk.2 Consul/Zephyr/Zodiac range in 1956 all helped to boost sales. Sadly, in 1956, just as business was looking up, Percy Hendy died. His nephew, Arthur V. Hendy, succeeded him as Chairman. The same year, the company’s newly formed Gordon Motors of Cosham opened its doors but, before it even got motoring, the Suez crisis struck. Petrol was severely rationed and car sales stood still. Fortunately for everyone the crisis was soon over. By the end of the 1950s, Hendy had begun to exploit the full potential of the Chandler’s Ford dealership which was known as Thames House - opening commercial sales and servicing facilities, extending the agricultural operation and further developing car sales. Thames House became the largest agricultural depot in the area, operating rapid ‘on-the-farm’ maintenance and repairs. Remaining at Thames House was the Blacksmith Shop, albeit a highly-modernised facility, it serviced the farming community which was not quite ready to switch from 4 legs to 4 wheels! The company also updated and extended the Vincent’s Walk premises in time to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 1960 as a Ford dealer. Two years later the new Ford Cortina was introduced and within twelve months had already reached one million sales. The popularity of this and other Ford models brought ever-increasing business. The downside though was extra demands on space, so in 1963 the company made the bold move of selling the Vincent’s Walk premises to Woolworths. This allowed reorganisation of the Southampton business by relocating car sales and servicing to the newlyimproved Palmerston Road premises. The commercial vehicle business housed here was transferred, along with the paint and bodyshop operations, to Chandler’s Ford. As Ford was now putting greater emphasis on the truck side of its business, the larger site would allow room for expansion.

1963

1969

1971

Vincent’s Walk premises sold and major company reorganisation.

Hendy Industrial Engines business was formed.

Entire Group adopts Hendy Lennox name.

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1969 Roy Woolley appointed Managing Director.

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

1976 Partnership with Iveco Trucks begins.

1975

1976

1977

1985

1987

Roy Woolley appointed Chairman after death of Arthur Hendy.

Hendy Lennox Industrial Engines becomes Hendy Power.

Formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport.

1977

1978

1977 Norman V. Hendy appointed Managing Director.

1979

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

CHAPTER THREE TRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE Main Picture: Hendy Ford showroom, Southsea. 1950s. Right: Various Hendy corporate identities over the last 100 years. Left: Various advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s.

NEW NAME, NEW DIRECTION Hendy has changed its identity on several occasions in the past to reflect both the times and the acquisitions that have taken place. In 1971 the entire Group adopted the ‘Hendy Lennox’ title. This move was made in order to project a stronger identity and a more cohesive internal organisational structure. There was an important change too in personnel. Roy Woolley, Group Managing Director, took over in 1977 as Chairman following the death of Arthur V. Hendy. Roy was the son of Fred Woolley, the company’s original Secretary. Subsequently, Norman Hendy, great grandson of Frederick A Hendy took over as Managing Director. Another significant trading title change took place in 1989 when the company’s car dealerships became known as Hendy Ford, in line with Ford’s new corporate marketing plans. Various logos from the past are shown here, along with up-to-date namestyles for the Group. The remainder of the century saw a succession of developments. All were related to the core business of motor power but the company began to expand its activities into niche markets, including vehicle leasing and rental, motorsport and leisure.

1988

Kia

Hire

Parts

Body

1989

1991

1992

1994

1996

1998

Retirement of Roy Woolley. Car dealerships renamed Hendy Ford.

Formation of Hendy Hire Ltd.

Gentrac Systems Limited formed.

Launch of Hendy Leisure Limited.

Group opens first Honda dealership in Exeter.

Hendy Group celebrates 100 years as a Limited Company.

1989

1990

1991

1989 Norman V. Hendy appointed Chairman. Brian F. Hendy appointed Managing Director.

1992

1993 1993

Ian R. Jones appointed Managing Director.

1994

1995

1996

1997 1997

Hendy Group acquires new Ford dealerships in Shirley and Millbrook, Southampton.

1998 1997

1999

Motorsport

1998 Hendy Ford Chichester opens.

2000

1999

Hendy Van & Truck Hendy Group acquires van and truck depots in Exeter and Yeovil. opens in Poole. Acquisition of AVH Rentals Ltd.

CHAPTER THREE TRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE

To reflect the changing nature of its business, Hendy Lennox

The company then designed and built the Gentrac Road Train

(Industrial Engines) Limited was renamed Hendy Lennox Power

targeted primarily at the leisure industry. Hendy Leisure Limited

Products Limited in 1985. It became known as ‘Hendy Power’ and

was set up to exploit the sales potential and Gentrac Road Trains

quickly extended its specialist operations to include computerised

began to run at holiday resorts, theme parks and other leisure

engine testing facilities for car manufacturers, as well as producing

complexes around the world, including places in the UK like the

original equipment and specialist vehicles. It would soon be at the

Eden Project, Kew Gardens, Bournemouth, Poole and Torquay.

cutting edge of alternative fuel power technology. Gentrac Systems Limited was established as a subsidiary of Hendy Power in 1992. It subsequently expanded its operations to include the manufacture of specialist vehicles such as tow tractors for the Ministry of Defence.

Above: The Gentrac Road Train, Exeter. 1992. Right: Hendy Honda dealership, Exeter. 1996. Below: Hendy Ford, Shirley Road. Circa 1997.

FAR EAST AND WESTERN Always looking one step ahead, Hendy now turned its attention

of a new purpose-built Hendy Ford dealership in

to the emerging Japanese company Honda. ‘The Power of

Chichester, Sussex. All these changes were brought

Dreams’ was about to be realised for people living in Exeter

about by the Ford Motor Company’s revised dealership policy,

when Hendy Lennox (Exeter) Limited was set up as an

as well as expansion of the Group’s Ford and Iveco truck

independent sales and servicing operation in 1996. This was

business. The purchase of the Salisbury based AVH Rentals van

a major change in the development of the Hendy Group because

and truck rental business also had a significant effect – adding

not for over 60 years had the company taken on the dealership

nine further locations - as did the acquisition of Western Truck

responsibilities for a car manufacturer other than Ford. In 1997,

& Van Co. The latter created two more depots at Exeter and

a second Honda dealership was opened in Barnstaple.

Yeovil for the Hendy Trucks division, further extending its geographical coverage and market penetration.

The last part of the century saw a flurry of business activity, with several location moves, depot closures and new site

In just a couple of years, the Group had increased its holdings

openings. This included the acquisition in 1997 of two new

substantially and widened its area of operation. Also, the payroll

Southampton outlets in Shirley and in Millbrook. The next year,

had increased from approximately 750 to almost 1,000 and

the company marked its 100th anniversary as a limited company

total sales turnover at the Millennium was approaching

by moving into new custom-designed Group administration

£200m – an increase of 50% since 1998.

offices in Chandler’s Ford and the construction

en op e s ea Pl

Main: Stephen Hendy in action. Centre: Stephen Hendy. Below (right): Gordon Hendy competing in a rally. Below (centre): Rally trophy presented to Percy Hendy. Below (left): Gordon Hendy in his rally car.

HENDY AND MOTORSPORT Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move into rallying with the Sierra Cosworth was the catalyst for the formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport in 1987. To date, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most notable success is winning the 1991 British National Rally Championship. A self-sponsored Focus WRC driven by Stephen Hendy is currently competing in top-level events. This continues something of a Hendy family tradition as Percy Hendy used to rally with the Model T. Later, Gordon Hendy took up motorcycle racing and competed in the Isle of Man TT. He soon progressed to four wheels and enjoyed many successes at Brooklands in Singer and Austin 7 racing cars, and also raced a Singer at Le Mans.

HENDY FORD RADIO SCRIPT (MVO in excited tone) Hendy Ford have done it again! This time we ve come up with a choice of W registration KA s from an unbeatable 5995!...AND you get a choice of colours.....metallic or non metallic. Most of these models have power steering,..and because they fall into a low insurance group are ideal as a second family car or as a smart town car. You ll have to hurry though....At 5995,..we only have limited stocks. Call your nearest Hendy Ford dealer now. Hendy....the future of Ford on the South Coast!

HENDY GROUP ADVERTISING Over the years, Hendy has encouraged sales of bicycles, cars, vans, trucks and tractors through strong advertising and intense promotional activity. To get the vital messages across, the company has used a variety of media forms. In the beginning it was just press and poster, but more recently it has also included TV, radio and the internet. Examples of advertising through the years can be seen here and elsewhere in the book.

CHAPTER FOUR CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD Below: Hendy Mazda dealership. 2006.

CHAPTER FOUR

CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD With the arrival of the new Millennium, expansion remained the

It seemed logical, therefore, for Hendy to turn its attention to

buzzword in the boardroom. During the first few months of 2000,

this Japanese car manufacturer and increase the number of car

Hendy was appointed as a new sub-dealer for Iveco Truck services

marques under the Hendy umbrella.

and parts, enabling the Van & Truck division to put down roots in Cornwall. The truck business continued to flourish and in 2004

In 2005, Hendy took another big step – acquiring the South-

a new £1m state-of-the-art servicing and parts facility opened

West’s biggest used car dealership, Exeter Car Supermarket.

in Portsmouth.

Established twelve years earlier, Exeter Car Supermarket had built a reputation for delivering main dealer quality at supermarket

2000

2004

Hendy Ford dealerships open in Winchester and Fareham.

2000

2001 2002

Paul A. Hendy appointed Managing Director.

Brian F. Hendy appointed Chairman.

2002

2003 2003

Acquisition of Ford premises in Marchwood.

The car business too was going from strength to strength and

prices. This was quite a departure for Hendy; a company that

the same year Hendy opened its first Mazda dealership in Easton

up until now had concentrated only on franchised operations.

Lane, Winchester. The Ford Motor Company had owned part of

The success of Exeter Car Supermarket was unprecedented and

Mazda since 1979 and Mazda had been basing some of its models

was voted ‘Best in the South’ Award by ‘What Car’ magazine

on the Ford Focus and Fiesta.

in 2006. (continued on page 25)

2004

2005

2007

2008

New £1m truck service & parts facility opens in Portsmouth.

Iveco Daily ‘Dealer of the Year’. Exeter Car Supermarket acquired.

Closure of the Chandler’s Ford site. New dealership opens in Eastleigh.

Ford dealership in Romsey acquired.

2004 2004

2005

First Mazda dealership opens in Winchester. Power Products relocates to Cosham.

2006

2007

2006 1st Kia dealership opens in Cosham. Mazda dealership opens at Chandler’s Ford.

2008

2009

2007 Parts warehouse opens at Hedge End. Body Shop opens in Segensworth.

2010

2010 Hendy celebrates100 years as a Ford dealer.

2011

2012

2009 Honda dealerships in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth acquired. Hendy celebrates150 years in business.

en op e s ea Pl

HENDY HIRE Since its formation in 1991, Hendy Hire has played an important

Operating from locations across the south and south west of

role in the business, providing private and business customers

England, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fleet comprises a comprehensive range of

with an alternative to traditional vehicle supply and financing.

vehicles, ranging from small passenger cars through to 42-tonne trucks, available for short-, medium- and long-term hire.

The acquisition of AVH Rentals in 1999 significantly boosted the size and breadth of the vehicle fleet, along with the

Moving people or freight, the composition of the Hendy Hire

geographical coverage.

fleet ensures that whatever the customer needs, business or

2011

private, Hendy Hire can accommodate them.

Hendy celebrates 35 years with Iveco.

2013 2011 Hendy celebrates 15 years with Honda.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

CHAPTER FOUR CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD

IN THE BIG LEAGUE With two big names like Ford and Iveco in its showrooms, it is

In 1986 following a 50-50 joint venture between Iveco and Ford,

little wonder that Hendy Van & Truck has enjoyed huge success

Britain welcomed the Iveco Ford Truck company. Seven years

over the years.

later, Hendy Van & Truck was appointed Iveco Ford Dealer for Hampshire and Dorset.

Both are global players. Ford needs no introduction and the Ford Transit van has remained market leader for over 40 years.

Today, Hendy Van & Truck is a hugely successful side of the Hendy business, responsible for 30% of total Group turnover

Iveco, too, can boast a long, illustrious history. In 1866, shortly

with 220 dedicated staff. In addition, Vectis of the Isle of Wight

after FA Hendy began building bikes in Whitchurch, Conrad

and Edwards of Salisbury are service and parts sub-dealers –

Dieter Magirus started to manufacture fire-fighting equipment

having been appointed in 1995 - with Vospers of Plymouth and

at Ulm in Germany. Many developments later, came the Fiat

St Austell acting in a similar capacity since the year 2000.

Group’s momentous move in 1975 to bring together five experienced European commercial vehicle manufacturers –

In 2005 Hendy received the Iveco ‘Daily Dealer of the Year’

Fiat, Lancia, UNIC, OM and Magirus - to form the Industrial

award, capping a highly successful year. However, another

Vehicle Corporation, better known as Iveco.

very important milestone for Hendy Van & Truck is the celebration in 2011 of the 35 year partnership between

In its time, Iveco has built 7.5 million engines and has produced 3.5 million commercial vehicles and buses. The Daily van was the first real Iveco project. This was launched in 1978 and is still in production, winning awards (‘Van of the Year’ in 2000, ‘Best Light Truck’ in 2004 and ‘Fleet Van of the Year’ in 2005). Such is its popularity, a Daily is sold somewhere in the world every five minutes. Accolades have also been showered on the medium-weight Eurocargo and the heavyweight Stralis which was ‘Truck of the Year’ in 2003. Today, Iveco is present across the five continents, with 49 factories, fifteen R&D centres, 31,000 employees and over 800 dealers including, of course, Hendy Van & Truck.

Hendy and Iveco.

en op e s ea Pl

Then in March 2006 a second Hendy Mazda dealership was

Meanwhile, a local Ford dealership in Romsey was acquired in

acquired; this time in Hiltingbury Road, Chandler’s Ford. The

2008. This well-known family-run business had very similar values

services from this site were soon to be re-homed in the

to Hendy, and in March 2008 Rayco Ford was purchased providing

forthcoming multi-franchise dealership in Eastleigh.

continued Ford sales, services and body repairs in the area.

The same month, Hendy Kia became the newest addition to the Hendy Group. This again showed the enterprise of the Hendy

With the recession biting by the end of the decade it was natural

Group by teaming up with the UK’s fastest growing car marque.

that the company had to take action in order to retain its strength

The Kia operation sits alongside the Ford side of the business in

in the market place. Hendy Body in Bournemouth closed its doors

the Cosham dealership in Portsmouth.

ending a long history with the area and the LDV commercial vehicle franchise, which had recently been added to the Hendy

Further big changes have taken place during mid 2007, paving

Truck portfolio, ceased trading in 2008.

the way for the group’s expansion plans. The closure of the Chandler’s Ford dealership was a hugely significant event. Not

The recession had some advantages too and when the opportunity

only had this site been the pinnacle of all the dealerships, it was

to purchase the successful Alan Day Honda business came along,

the oldest and consequently had a great amount of history to its

it seemed an opportunity too good to be missed. In early 2009

name. Its closure in 2007 was a sad day for many. To replace

and in Hendy’s 150th year in business, three further Honda

the Chandler’s Ford dealership a new purpose-built dealership

dealerships were subsequently added to the existing Hendy

was constructed only a mile or so away in Eastleigh, to the highest

Honda business with dealerships opening in Winchester,

and most modern specifications. This spectacular site is now

Southampton West Quay and Portsmouth. Hendy now had Honda

home to the Ford, Mazda and Kia franchises, alongside

presence in Hampshire and Devon.

a state-of-the-art 24 bay service workshop, parts department and a display of around 200 quality used cars.

2010 proved to be a quieter year when it came to company expansion and acquisitions, but nevertheless, it was a very

In conjunction with the opening of the new Eastleigh dealership,

significant year in the history of the Hendy Group. 100 years

the Hendy Body side of the business was relocated too. Once

earlier, Percy Hendy signed the very first contract with Ford Motor

again, a brand new state-of-the-art facility was constructed in

Company to become Britain’s first Ford dealer and, in true style,

Segensworth, being perfectly located between Portsmouth and

the Hendy Group celebrated this long and fruitful partnership.

Southampton. This new Body Shop was designed to accommodate all makes and models of cars plus commercial vehicles, whilst

Over the last 100 years, the Hendy Group has sold products from

being equipped with the most technologically advanced equipment

a number of franchises including Benz, Bolle and Dion, but it is

to date.

Ford that has remained the backbone of the business.

The fourth and final major change that took place in 2007 was

This historic year also sees the restructuring of the Board of

the opening of the Hendy Parts Trade Centre in Hedge End near

Directors with changes to the operational structure for Hendy

Southampton. The new facility holds over £1m worth of stock at

Holdings Limited and Hendy Group Limited. This new structure

any one time, ensuring that all main franchise parts are available

will keep the company streamlined and stronger for future

for immediate delivery.

generations...and the next 100 years.

Left: Eastleigh dealership. Right (top): Hendy Car Supermarket. Right (middle): Hendy Kia Cosham. Right (bottom): Hendy Honda Portsmouth.

HENDY POWER PRODUCTS Hendy Power is the Engineering Division of the group. It was set up in 1969 as an industrial engines business, supplying components and engines to various industries, including automotive marine, manufacturing and construction.

Today, Hendy Power works with its clients to solve engineering problems, big and small. The company holds franchises with Ford, Iveco Motors and Fiat Powertrain Technologies and is the main distributor for Lister Petter, covering engines and generating sets thought the UK. A wide selection of clients means a broad spectrum of end products, ranging in diversity from the use of a Ford Escort seat adjustment handle for the manufacture of invalid equipment to 20litre V8 diesel engines to power hovercrafts for the Swedish navy.

CHAPTER FOUR CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD

100 YEARS WITH FORD In 2010 Hendy Ford reached a remarkable milestone a 100-year relationship with the Ford Motor Company. Back in 1910, Ford Motor Company wanted to expand into the British market but there was great competition from a quickly-growing motor car manufacturing industry; particularly in Birmingham and the Midlands. Hendy were already agents for other manufacturers, but Percy Hendy had the foresight to recognise that the Ford brand was the way forward with the business. Having been put in charge of expanding the motor car side of the business, he took it upon himself to become Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Ford dealer and the company has never looked back.

Please find the definitive guide to our history with the Ford Motor Company on the right. It starts when Percy F Hendy signed the all-important contract and includes premises changes, management structures and a look at the Ford cars that have been in production over the years.

n pe o se ea Pl

Model A

Model T

1910 1910 Hendy becomes Britain’s first Ford dealer.

Model Y

1920 1920

Premises acquired at Pound Tree Road, Southampton.

1926

Palmerston Road dealership opens.

Pilot

1930

1940

1931

Relocation at Empress Road.

1938

Zodiac

1950

1960

1940

1956

1960

Pound Tree Road destroyed by German bombing.

New Cosham dealership built, trading as Gordon Motors.

Golden Jubilee as a Ford dealer.

Vincent’s Walk development and Chandler’s Ford site opens.

100 years with Ford

car side of the business by his father, was one of the most

In 2010 Hendy reached a remarkable milestone – a 100-year

significant events in the company’s history and set Hendy off

relationship with the Ford Motor Company. Any centenary is

on the road to success.

special but what makes this unique is that back then, in 1910, we became Britain’s first official Ford main dealer.

Cortina

From strength to strength In 1911, the first UK Model T rolled off the production line at

History in the making

Trafford Park, Manchester. Affectionately known as ‘Tin Lizzie’

The actual signing of the Dealership Agreement took place on

this had immediate appeal and Hendy was quick to capitalise.

7th November 1910 between Percy Hendy and Ford Motor

The Hendy Southampton operation was expanded and a new

Company who had arrived to announce the formation of the

subsidiary opened in Boscombe, Bournemouth. Dagenham

Ford Motor Company in Great Britain. This famous meeting with

soon became the home of Ford and a succession of new

Percy Hendy, who had been given the role to expand the motor-

models followed – the Model A, the Y Type and the V-8. Despite

Granada

ortina

1960 960

olden Jubilee as a Ford dealer.

Capri

1970

Sierra

1980 1987

Formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport.

1989

Car dealerships renamed as Hendy Ford.

Mondeo

1990 1997

New Ford dealerships in Shirley and Millbrook, Southampton.

1998

Hendy Ford Chichester opens.

Focus RS

2000 2000

New Ford dealerships open in Winchester and Fareham.

2007

New dealership opens in Eastleigh.

the intervention of two World Wars, Hendy continued to grow

Dealer for Hampshire and Dorset. Five years later, a new

as people took Ford cars to their hearts. By the 1950s, Hendy

Hendy Ford dealership was built in Chichester and, in 2000,

had restructured and expanded its franchise operation several

we opened dealerships in Winchester and Fareham.

times to keep pace with demand, including a new site at Chandler’s Ford. The arrival of the Consul and Zephyr Six, the

Celebrating the event

100E Anglia/Prefect and the powerful Mk.2 Consul/Zephyr/

Today, the Group remains justifiably proud of its unique link

Zodiac range all helped to boost sales, as did the launch of

with the Ford Motor Company and, 100 years on, the bond

the popular Cortina in 1962. With the truck and van side of

between us is as strong as ever – with Ford still accounting

the business also growing, Hendy was able to offer a succession

for over 60% of Hendy Group business.

of household names, like the Escort, Fiesta, Transit and

To mark the centenary a celebratory lunch was held at the

Mondeo. Ford’s move into rallying with the Sierra Cosworth

famous Goodwood House. Guests included executives from

was the catalyst for the formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport

Ford Motor Company, Hendy Ford business partners, long-

in 1987. In 1993, Hendy Van & Truck was appointed Iveco Ford

standing employees of the business and the Hendy family.

2010 2010 Hendy celebrate 100 years as a Ford dealer.

CHAPTER FOUR CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORD Back row, left to right: Stephen Hendy Norman Hendy Brian Hendy John Hendy Front row, left to right: Clare Hendy Paul Hendy Christine Hendy

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Without travelling far, Hendy has come a long way from the small

within the company structure ensuring the continuity of the

bicycle repair shop in Whitchurch. Today, the company has in

family business. 2010 brought with it changes at boardroom

excess of twenty separate premises stretching across southern

level, with responsibilities being handed down to the next

England from Devon to West Sussex, housing over 700 staff and

generation, ensuring the best possible structure for the future.

handling between them over £200m worth of business. Throughout the company’s history, the Hendy family can be Hendy can now boast Ford, Mazda, Kia and Honda car franchises,

said to have followed good business practice – grasping

plus Ford and Iveco truck and van franchises. The company

opportunities as they’ve appeared, reviewing operations in order

handles all aspects including sales, servicing, parts, hire, accident

to remain efficient and keeping up with manufacturers’ changing

repairs and Rapid Fit centres. Specialist operations include

demands. Above all, the Hendy family has always been careful

engine dynamometer testing, fuel injection testing and repairs,

to continue to meet the needs of customers, ensuring that they

as well as engine sales to the construction and marine industries.

enjoy the best service and attention at all times.

But whilst having grown to a company of significant geographical

Let us finish this colourful history of Hendy with one of Henry

and economic size, the Hendy Group remains a closely-knit

Ford’s famous quotes - ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying

family concern. Currently, both the Chairman and Deputy

together is progress, and working together is success.’ The

Chairman are great-grandsons of the company founder

Hendy family has certainly shown that to be true. Here’s to the

F. A. Hendy, with the next generation of sons and daughters

next 100 or so years.

HENDY VALUES AND PROMISES OUR MISSION We are the premier family motor group delivering 100% customer and employee satisfaction.

OUR VALUES We are customer focused, professional, quality driven, honest and fair in all activities.

WE WILL

WE WILL NOT

• Always make customers feel welcome, valued, appreciated and acknowledged.

• Talk the customers, the company, the suppliers or the staff and management down.

• Do everything in our power to exceed customers’ expectations by understanding their real needs.

• Display negativity.

• Keep our word and our promises.

• Accept second best.

• Be honest and trustworthy in everything we do.

• Tolerate poor handling of our customers.

• Listen and demonstrate real understanding at all times.

• Use ‘jargon’ and confuse customers or staff.

• Develop ourselves continuously to turn our vision into a reality for customers and staff.

• Put things off, bury our heads in the sand or close our doors and ‘hide’.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HENDY HOLDINGS LIMITED BRIAN HENDY Chairman

NORMAN HENDY Deputy Chairman

PAUL HENDY Managing Director

COLIN MOIR Finance Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HENDY GROUP LIMITED PAUL HENDY Managing Director

ANDY STEVENSON Sales Director

STEPHEN HENDY Aftersales Director

COLIN MOIR Finance Director

JOHN HENDY Systems & Resources Director

OPERATIONS BOARD & DIVISIONS PAUL HENDY

COLIN MOIR JOHN HENDY

FRANK THOW

IAN MULLEN

ANDY STEVENSON

HendyCarSupermarket

HendyHire

HendyMazda

HendyHonda

HendyKia

HendyIveco

ANDY SMITH

PAUL MOCKETT

VINCE MANN

HendyFord

HendyPower

SIMON PALMER

STEPHEN HENDY

CLARE HENDY

STEVE ROBERTS

TIM WOODS

GRAHAM KIRK IAN DAVIE

ESTABLISHED 1898

HendyGroup Hendy Ford

HendyIveco HendyVan &Truck

HendyParts

HendyHire

HendyBusiness

HendyHonda

HendyKia

HendyPower

HendyMotorsport

HendyMazda HendyBody

HendyLeisure

HendyService HendyCarSupermarket

ESTABLISHED 1898

HendyGroup The Hendy Group has been trading since 1859 and this history book draws together all the important events, from its beginnings as a bicycle shop in Whitchurch to a large multi-franchise automotive business of today. The company owes its success to remaining a family-run business, recognising that looking after customers relies on the strength and integrity of its loyal and talented staff.