Business of the month: Jos Richardson & Son Ltd

This month we cast the spotlight on prestigious car dealership Glews Garage owned by Jos Richardson & Son Ltd. Celebrating their 125th anniversary next year, Our Goole spoke to director Jane Richardson about some of the significant changes that have shaped the family-owned business over the years.

Jane, can you tell our readers a little about your rich history:
Jos Richardson & Son Ltd was founded in 1892 by my great, great grandfather Jos Richardson and was originally a coal merchants. In 1978 my grandfather David and my father Tim bought Glews Garage. The Glews site has changed and grown substantially and now we also own four other filling stations – Longs Corner at Howden, York Road Garage at Escrick, Filey Service Station and Primrose Valley Service Station.

You have expanded significantly, can you tell us about that?
We are constantly diversifying. Over the years we have had a number of businesses from coal merchants to travel agents! We also change with the needs of our customers, who in recent times expect more from their filling stations so the shops have expanded into convenience stores.

Any milestones along the way?
Building the second dealership to house the Peugeot franchise, Richwood, in the 90s was a significant investment. The expansion of the petrol station in ’92 and going 24 hours were noteworthy, and getting the roundabout built was a significant milestone.

How do you find the local area from a business perspective?
Goole has been our base for 125 years so we have great affection for the area and it has always been good for us. We employ over 120 people the majority of whom are local.

You are renowned for helping in the community, how important is that to you?: 
It has always been important for the family to give back to the local area, my father Tim was heavily involved in the re-development of Westfield banks Rugby Club and very active in the Roundtable and Rotary groups, who both do a substantial amount for the community and local charities. We have always felt it is important to support local charities and in the past we have raised money for Castaway, The Waterways Museum, and local schools and sports clubs. We support local youngsters like Charlie Atkins, and in recent years have worked alongside Yorkshire Air Ambulance to raise thousands to support their invaluable work.

Do you have any extraordinary customer stories to share with our readers?
A few years ago we sold a car to a soldier in Afghanistan after he found it online whilst serving overseas and when he was on leave he called in to pick it up… an example of the global economy!

There seems to be lots on the horizon, what does the future hold?
We are currently undergoing a huge re-development project at Glews for a 60 bay overnight HGV Parking facility, with seven diesel lanes to cater for an expanded range of diesel fuel cards, and gas oil will also be on sale. The petrol station will also be expanded with facilities like showers and a larger retail space and additional parking. We will also be putting in a Subway.

Lastly, what are the main benefits you find to advertising with us?
Advertising in Our Goole helps us reach our local audience, it is unlike other magazines of its type which are often just full of adverts. We like Our Goole because it has good features and articles about the local area so we think people are more likely to read the magazine. Also we like to support local publications.