One hundred years ago a man opened a shop selling bikes and petrol – a century later, it’s still going strong as a car dealership.
WH Brand is beginning a year of celebration at its Broadgate base in Whaplode Drove.
The company was founded by William (Bill) Horrace Brand, an orphan who came to live with his aunt and uncle in the village in 1911.
WH Brand and Son’s first link with an official company was Raleigh for its bikes, but Bill gained a reputation for being a good mechanic and salesman which led to the business booming.
Nine years later he was able to purchase his own house and three acres of land which remains its existing site.
Son Fred was named in the business from a very young age, and made a name for it after World War Two as he became an international class speedway rider.
He won many leagues and represented Great Britain on numerous occasions, including in the 1954 World Speedway Final at Wembley.
Fred used the prize money he earned to build a new garage which was built shortly before Bill died in a motoring accident.
Motor sport runs in the family and the next generation, Martyn caught the bug after being inspired by Dave Wycherley of Broadway Garage in Spalding to take up stock car racing.
In 1984 he was crowned British champion, he was World Champion three years later and added both plus the English and European titles in 1988 before winning everything in 1989.
That led to Martyn retiring from the sport and he put his efforts into expanding the business including single handedly building a second floor.
Adam was the next of the Brands into the business and motorsport, winning the 1992 Champion of Champions stockcar championship while being runner up in the British and European tournaments.
The businesses itself has specialised with many manufacturers over the years, including selling new and used cars made by the MG Rover group.
It took on the Chevrolet franchise in 2008 before becoming a limited company in 2008, with MG Motors UK in 2014 and Isuzu in 2015 following.
It’s regularly been recognised as part of the MG Dealer of the Year awards and last year was one of the few allowed to sell the make’s first all-electric roadster, the Cyberster.
Callum, the great, great, grandson of WH Brand is the most recent family member to join the business which currently has nine other members of staff that between them have 190 years of experience between them.
A spokesman for the company said: “From our early days in 1925 to the present, we’ve remained a proud family-run company, dedicated to serving our customers with passion and commitment.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to both past and present staff members whose dedication, hard work, and commitment have played a vital role in shaping the company.
“Their expertise and loyalty have been invaluable in maintaining the high standards of service that our customers have come to expect.
“Equally, we extend our appreciation to our customers, both long-standing and new, who have supported us throughout the years. Your loyalty and continued business have been fundamental to our success.
“Many have returned time and time again, and some families have been with us for generations. It is your support that has allowed us to grow and continue providing the best service possible. We thank you all.”
