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The Hendy Group has been trading since 1859 and this history book - first published in 2010 - 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.
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150 YEARS OF HISTORY
HendyGroupESTABLISHED 1898
Copyright October 2010 Hendy Holdings Limited. Registered Office: 360 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3UF. Edition 5.
CONTENTSHENDY HISTORY
HENDY HISTORYCONTENTS PAGE
PAST AND PRESENTLOCATIONS
THE HENDY FAMILYFAMILY TREE
BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLECHAPTER ONE
MODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRECHAPTER TWO
TRUCKS, TRAINS AND EASTERN PROMISECHAPTER THREE
CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORDCHAPTER FOUR
PAGE
PAGE
PAGE
PAGE 10
PAGE 16
PAGE 22
6
4
2
BRISTOL
PLYMOUTH
Gloucester
WeymouthExmouth
Roche
Barnstaple
Yeovil
Bath
Shaftesbury
Exeter
Bodmin
Bude
7
10
11
12
Cheltenham
PREVIOUS HENDY LOCATIONS
02
LOCATIONSPAST & PRESENT
HENDY LOCATIONSPAST AND PRESENT
0 10 20 30 40 miles
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 kilometres
Hereford 8
9
Poole
11
12
BOURNEMOUTHYEOMANS WAY - HENDY BODYBOSCOMBE - HENDY FORDLANSDOWNE - HENDY FORD
1
BROCKENHURSTFORDSON (TRACTORS)
2
SOUTHAMPTONVINCENT’S WALK - HENDY BODYPOUND TREE ROAD - HENDY FORDEAST STREET - BICYCLES & CLOTHINGSOUTHFRONT - HENDY FORDMILLBROOK - HENDY VAN & TRUCKBRUNSWICK PLACE - BICYCLESQUEENSWAY - PETROL STATIONEMPRESS ROAD - BODYSHOP & PARTSBASSETT - MAYBUSH FILLING STATION
3
SOUTHAMPTON
Swindon
PortsmouthBrighton Eastbourne
Folkestone
Ramsgate
Basingstoke
WinchesterSalisbury Crawley
Maidstone
Guildford
Hastings
Oxford
Luton
Milton Keynes
Colchester
Watford
LONDON
1
2
3
4
6
5
1
2 3
4
815
7
914
56
Watford
HEREFORDHENDY HIRE
8
GLOUCESTERHENDY HIRE
9
EASTBOURNEHENDY HIRE
10
CHELTENHAMHENDY HIRE
11
ROCHEHENDY VAN & TRUCK
12
BARNSTAPLEHENDY HONDA
7
03
Bournemouth
Chichester
CURRENT HENDY LOCATIONS
SOUTHAMPTONHENDY FORDHENDY HONDARAPID FIT
1 COSHAMHENDY FORDHENDY VAN & TRUCKHENDY KIAHENDY POWER
5
YEOVILHENDY VAN & TRUCK
11
EXETERHENDY HONDAHENDY VAN & TRUCKHENDY CAR SUPERMARKETFORD SERVICE
12
SEGENSWORTHHENDY BODY
13
HEDGE ENDHENDY PARTS
14
PORTSMOUTHHENDY VAN & TRUCKHENDY HONDA
15
ROMSEYHENDY FORDHENDY BODY
16FAREHAM
HENDY FORD6
CHICHESTERHENDY FORDRAPID FIT
7
POOLEHENDY VAN & TRUCKFORD SERVICE
10
CHANDLER’S FORDHENDY VAN & TRUCK
2
EASTLEIGHHENDY FORDHENDY KIAHENDY MAZDARAPID FIT
3
WINCHESTERHENDY FORDHENDY MAZDAHENDY HONDA
4
MARCHWOODFORD SERVICE
8
HASTINGSHENDY HIRE
9
10
13
16
WHITCHURCHCHURCH STREET -BICYCLES & CLOTHING
4
CHANDLER’S FORDRAPID FITHENDY HIRETHE ANNEXEHENDY FORDHENDY BODYPOWER PRODUCTS
5
PORTSMOUTHHAVANT - HENDY FORDFRATTON - HENDY FORDFARLINGTON - HENDY BODYWATERLOOVILLE - HENDY FORDSOUTHSEA - HENDY FORD
6
FAMILY TREETHE HENDY FAMILY
THE HENDY FAMILY TREE CAN BE TRACEDBACK SEVEN GENERATIONS TO WILLIAMHENDY, THE FATHER OF FREDERICKADOLPHUS HENDY, THE FOUNDER OFTHE HENDY GROUP.
THE HENDY FAMILY TREEFAMILY TREE
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-)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
2
5
31
4
13
THE HENDY FAMILY.
04
6
05
10 13
11 12
987
Mary Smith1800 -1886
Mary Vinton1832-1903
ELIZABETH ANNIE1872-1951
MARY JANE1863 -1937
PERCY FRANK1874 -1956
Eugenie Rogers1871-1956
Florence Burt1880 -1949
ELLA CONSTANCE1895-1998
GORDON VINTON1904-1964
JOAN FRANCES1907-1936
Phyllis Baker1909-1985
BRIAN FREDERICK1946-
Margaret Yarrow1948 -
JOHN PAUL1972-
CLARE ELIZABETH1974 -
CHRISTINE LOUISE1977-
Denise Garrett1963-
Rebecca Sandham1970 -
Sarah Williams1968 -
CHLOE LOUISE1997-
WILLIAM ANTHONY1997-
ELLIE MAE2000-
BENJAMIN JAMES2002-
Annie Bullock1878-1936
ALFRED ERNEST1870 -1928
Fanny Farwell1878 -1907
Maud Dixon1874 -1953
Lottie Fagan1908-1938
ARTHUR VINTON1905-1977
NORMAN VINTON1938-
Myra Lanning1936 -
STEPHEN VINTON1966-
PAUL ANTHONY1967-
FREDERICK ADOLPHUS1834-1923
WILLIAM EVERARD VINTON1868-1885
DELITIA1836-1914
Timothy Nixon1823-1887
FREDERICK WILLIAM1865-1939
WILLIAM EVERARD1837-1860
WILLIAM CORELLI PACIELLO1793-1874
JOSEPH HENRY1796 -1875
THOMAS1791- Unkown
BIKES, BENZ AND BOLLECHAPTER ONE
frame and iron banded wheels, but is highly popular – replacing
the dandyhorse which people had to propel by walking.
Cycle shops of this era were, to all intents and purposes,
cycle manufacturers. So FA Hendy was building bikes from
pre-manufactured components, then branding the finished
products. Hendy’s specialty was the ‘Falcon’.
CHAPTER ONEBIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE
Below:
East Street, Southampton. Circa 1900.
Below (right):
The original Whitchurch shop4 Church Street.
The year is 1859. Big Ben sounds for the first time, Charles
Darwin publishes his Origin of Species and work starts on the
Suez Canal. Brunel also majestically bridges the Tamar at
Saltash, opening up rail travel from Cornwall to Devon.
Meanwhile, a little further east in an ancient Hampshire village
called Whitchurch, another important event is occurring.
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
06
1850 1851 1852 1853 1855 1856 1857 1858 1860 1861 18621854 1859
1859Frederick Adolphus Hendysets up business in Whitchurch.
Left:
Frederick Adolphus Hendy,founder of the Hendy Group.
Below:
Emblem of the Falcon bicycle.
CHAPTER ONEBIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE
1863 1864 1865 1866 1868 1869 1870 1871 1873 1874 18751867 1872
1865Relocation from Whitchurchto East Street, Southampton.
07
1875 1876 1877 1878 1880 1881 1882 1883 1885 1886 18871879 1884
08
CHAPTER ONEBIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE
Left:
The bicycle manufacturing works in East Street, Southampton.Frederick Adolphus Hendy pictured in the front row, behind thefront 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 1893 1894 1895 1896 1898 1899 19001892 1897
1898Hendy becomes aLimited Company.
1899Hendy takes on agencies
for Benz and Bolle.
1898Capital & Counties Bank appointed-
now known as Lloyds TSB.
1898Frederick A. Hendy appointed Chairman
and Managing Director.
09
Pleas
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CHAPTER ONEBIKES, BENZ AND BOLLE
Below:
East Street, Southampton. Circa 1900.
Centre:
Advertisement for F.A. Hendy & Co Ltd.
Right:
Extract from the Gentleman’sJournal. December 1900.
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.
“A history of the development of this big engineering concern would probably be less
interesting to our readers than even a brief account of its operation today. So far as the
past is concerned, then, let it suffice to say that its growth has synchronised with the
rapid advancement of Southampton. Mr. F.A. Hendy, assisted in the later years by the
energy and ability of his sons, remains at the head of affairs, the conversion of the
business into a joint-stock company in 1897 having been effected for family reasons,
and leaving the proprietorship – as well as the practical management – virtually
unchanged.
The premises in East Street and York buildings cover more than 8,076 square feet, the
total floor-space of the works, show-rooms and store-rooms exceeding 16,080 square
feet. It appeared to us, on the occasion of a recent visit of inspection, that not a foot of
all this unutilised. Each crowded with men and machinery-wheels whirring and bands
revolving, we had to pick our way from one department to another.
Messrs. Hendy took up the cycle trade some eighteen years ago. Apart from their
business with private customers, they are makers to the trade, supplying wholly-made
or partly-made machines, or separate portions of machines. They manufacture from
their own drawings and designs, turn out parts from their own patterns, and are not
confined to any type of machine or portion of machine. We noted a number of specialties
in the busy machinery room, where scores of cycle parts are being bored and fitted.
Not less busy were the wheel-making department and the repairing floors. The
manufacture of every sort of accessory is another branch of the firm’s operations.
Three famous makes are of Messrs. Hendy’s origination: the “Falcon”, the “Solent King”,
and the “Solent Queen”. They are placed on the market in various classifications and
different prices.
Enamelling and plating-for the trade as well as for themselves-are important branches.
Large gas ovens are in use. Electricity is generated on the premises for electro-plating,
which also supplies the accumulators of motor cars etc. We watched with interest the
various processes of gold, silver and nickel plating, not only as applied to cycles, but to
a number of household utensils etc. In this direction Messrs. Hendy have executed a
large amount of work for the Union Castle and other steamship companies; also for the
builders of the Queen’s launches. We may mention further that they electro-plated all
the fitting of the State-barge of the King of Siam.
In the motor world Messrs. Hendy are taking a front place. They are agents for Benz,
Bolle, De Dion, Daimler, and the Motor Manufacturing Company, and supply any make
of car. They let motors on hire (with drivers), and teach the servants of the owners not
only how to drive, but how to manage and look after the new vehicle.
Adjoining the works, Messrs. Hendy run a large and well-stocked clothing establishment,
in which cycling and other athletic garments and suits are specialties.”
the moving assembly line technique pioneered by Ford in Detroit
to speed up production even further.
Car transporters in those days were Hendy staff themselves,
who would travel to Manchester and drive the new vehicles
back to Southampton and then on to Hendy’s customers.
Hendy was quick to capitalise on the Model T’s success by
opening a new subsidiary in Boscombe, Bournemouth and
acquiring in 1913 an interest in the new Lennox Motor Company
in Southsea, Portsmouth. Percy Hendy was later to secure a
90% holding in the company.
The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 soon put the brake
on Hendy’s expanding car business. The Government’s call for
increased food production meant that Hendy was given the
task of servicing and maintaining Fordson tractors.
In May 1910, people were celebrating the accession of King
George V. Later the same year, Hendy had more cause for
celebration - it had just become the first official Ford Main
Dealer in Great Britain.
The actual signing of the Dealership Agreement took place on
7th November 1910 between Percy Hendy and Ford Motor
Company, who had arrived to announce the formation of the
Ford Motor Company in Great Britain. This famous meeting with
Percy Hendy, who had been given the role to expand the motor-
car side of the business by his father, was one of the most
significant events in the company’s history and set Hendy off
on the road to success.
In 1911, the first UK Model T rolled off the production line at
Trafford Park, Manchester. Within a couple of years it had
become Europe’s largest car production plant and was installing
1910Hendy becomes Britain’sfirst Ford dealer.
10
MODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRECHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER TWOMODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE
Below:
Pound Tree Road premises in Southamptonduring the early 1900s.
1900 1901 1902 1903 1905 1906 1907 1908 1910 1911 19121904 1909
Above:
Boscombe workshop. Circa 1923.
11
CHAPTER TWOMODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE
1913New branch at Palmerston Road,Boscombe, Bournemouth.
FORD MODEL T
Henry Ford (1863-1947) made his first car in hisback yard in 1896. He founded the Ford MotorCompany in 1903 and five years later launchedthe famous Model T, affectionately known as‘Tin Lizzie’.
Between 1908 and 1927, over 15 million Model Tswere produced at various factories, includingTrafford Park in Manchester where productionbegan in 1911. Model Ts production peaked atover 2 million vehicles in 1923 with over 150,000built at Trafford Park.
In the early days, Trafford Park imported the majormechanical parts from Detroit and used localsuppliers for car bodies etc. By 1924, the British-built Model T was made from 94% British parts andsold for around £135. It is estimated that 600British-built Model Ts still exist. A 1913 Model TFord is still in Hendy’s possession today.
SPECIFICATION
20-hp engine, 4 cylinder in line L-head side valvewith detachable cylinder head and 3 bearingcrankshaft. Bore/Stroke 33/4 by 4” Displacement:2895cc (177 cubic inches).
A hand-lever under the steering wheel controlledacceleration. Three foot pedals operated the forwardgears, reverse gear and brakes. Cruising speed was33-40 mph and fuel consumption was 20-25 mpg.
The chassis was built from finest quality vanadiumsteel - creating a tough lightweight construction withthree-point suspension to both front and rear axles,transverse leaf springs and radius rods.
Early Model Ts had acetylene headlamps and oil sideand rear lamps and had to be hand cranked. Electricstarters, lighting and horn were subsequently added.Instruments were minimal with speedometers optional.
Different colours of Model Ts were produced from1908 to 1914, and then again from 1926 to 1927.However, to speed assembly, between 1915 and 1925it was available only in black.
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.
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
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 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
and Managing Director.
Above (left):
Hendy Bros. press advertisement. Circa 1913.
Left:
Percy Hendy and his Model T Racer. Circa 1910.
1913 1914 1915 1916 1918 1919 1920 1921 1923 1924 19251917 1922
1914Assists war effort by servicingFordson tractors.
1920Premises acquired at Pound
Tree Road, Southampton.
1923Appointed Ford main dealerin Bournemouth.
1923Frederick W. Hendy appointed Chairman & ManagingDirector upon the death of Frederick A. Hendy.
1922Controlling interest in Lennox
Motor Company, Southsea.
A MOVING EXPERIENCE FOR STAFF
By now, Ford Motor Company had moved production to Dagenham.
Percy Hendy Limited also moved its operation, not once, not twice,
but several times. Indeed, if you were an employee of the company
in the 1930s, you could be excused for wondering where you would
be working next.
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.
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
Worryingly, as the 1920s progressed, car prices tumbled and
business became more difficult. One reason for this was the
new horsepower tax known as the RAC rating. This hit the 2.9-
litre Ford hard, benefiting the lesser-powered Morris.
Hendy’s response was to form Percy Hendy Limited, a company
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.
FINDING BUSINESS TAXING
After four years of dealing with declining sales of the Model T,
in 1928 Percy Hendy eventually got a new model to sell - the
Model A - but it wasn’t until 1932 that Ford had the answer to
the diminutive, tax-cheating Austin 7. The new 8hp Y Type was
considerably quicker and roomier than the Austin, making it
highly popular - especially when it started selling for just £100.
and agricultural implement depot at Chandler’s Ford was built,
along with a new addition to the group - a petrol station at
Bassett. Later the same year, Sir Malcolm Campbell, a family
friend, took time out from his land and water speed record
attempts to open the Chandler’s Ford site. Campbell was the
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.
Below Left:
Sir Malcolm Campbell in Bluebird. Circa 1938.
Below:
Palmerston Road, Boscombe,Bournemouth. Circa 1938.
Right:
F.A.Hendy & Co motorcycle advertisement.
Far Right:
Percy Hendy Ltd V-8 advertisement.
1925 1926 1927 1928 1930 1931 1932 1933 1935 1936 19371929 1934
1931Relocation at Empress Road,Southampton.
1932HQ relocated to PoundTree Road, Southampton.
1936Relocation at PalmerstonRoad, Southampton.
1937Vincent’s Walk, Southamptonpremises acquired.
1926Palmerston Road, Southamptondealership opens.
12
CHAPTER TWOMODEL T, TRACTOR & SPITFIRE
1938 1939 1940 1941 1943 1944 1945 1946 1948 1949 19501942 1947
1938Major development atVincent s Walk premises.
1939Hendy helps tobuild Spitfire planes.
1940Pound Tree Road destroyedby German bombing.
1939Percy F. Hendy appointed Chairman & ManagingDirector upon the death of Frederick W. Hendy.
1938Chandler s Ford site opens.
13
CHAPTER TWOMODEL 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 atBrockenhurst Show. Circa 1950.
14
CHAPTER TWOMODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE
GETTING SPITFIRESOFF THE GROUND
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 pre-
war cars in working order. It was a frustrating time
for the company, but the 1950s would bring a
resurgence of business.
CHOCKS AWAYBUT NOT FLYING
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.
15
Pleas
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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 “V”, 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 TWOMODEL T, TRACTOR AND SPITFIRE
CHAPTER THREETRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE
Below:
Portrait of Percy F. Hendy.
Below Right:
Hendy Ford showroom, Cosham. 1958.
Far Right:
Thames House in Chandler’s Ford. 1960s.
1956New Cosham dealership
built trading as Gordon Motors.
1950 1951 1952 1953 1955 1956 1957 1958 1960 1961 19621954 1959
1956Arthur V Hendy becomes Chairmanafter the death of Percy F. Hendy.
1960Golden Jubilee asa Ford dealer.
16
TRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISECHAPTER THREE
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 newly-
improved 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 1964 1965 1966 1968 1969 1970 1971 1973 1974 19751967 1972
1963Vincent’s Walk premises soldand major company reorganisation.
1969Hendy Industrial Enginesbusiness was formed.
1971Entire Group adoptsHendy Lennox name.
1969Roy Woolley appointedManaging Director.
17
1975 1976 1977 1978 1980 1981 1982 1983 1985 1986 19871979 1984
1977Roy Woolley appointed Chairmanafter death of Arthur Hendy.
1985Hendy Lennox Industrial Enginesbecomes Hendy Power.
1987Formation of HendyFord Motorsport.
1977Norman V. Hendy appointedManaging Director.
18
1976Partnership with
Iveco Trucks begins.
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.
CHAPTER THREETRUCKS, 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.
Kia Hire
Parts Body Motorsport
1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 1999 20001992 1997
1989Retirement of Roy Woolley. Cardealerships renamed Hendy Ford.
1991Formation ofHendy Hire Ltd.
1996Group opens first Hondadealership in Exeter.
1992Gentrac SystemsLimited formed.
1994Launch of HendyLeisure Limited.
1998Hendy Group celebrates 100years as a Limited Company.
1989Norman V. Hendy appointed Chairman.Brian F. Hendy appointed Managing Director.
1993Ian R. Jones appointed
Managing Director.
1997Hendy Group acquires new
Ford dealerships in Shirley andMillbrook, Southampton.
1999Hendy Group acquires van and truckdepots in Exeter and Yeovil.Acquisition of AVH Rentals Ltd.
1998Hendy FordChichester opens.
1997Hendy Van & Truckopens in Poole.
19
NEW NAME, NEW DIRECTION
Always looking one step ahead, Hendy now turned its attention
to the emerging Japanese company Honda. ‘The Power of
Dreams’ was about to be realised for people living in Exeter
when Hendy Lennox (Exeter) Limited was set up as an
independent sales and servicing operation in 1996. This was
a major change in the development of the Hendy Group because
not for over 60 years had the company taken on the dealership
responsibilities for a car manufacturer other than Ford. In 1997,
a second Honda dealership was opened in Barnstaple.
The last part of the century saw a flurry of business activity,
with several location moves, depot closures and new site
openings. This included the acquisition in 1997 of two new
Southampton outlets in Shirley and in Millbrook. The next year,
the company marked its 100th anniversary as a limited company
by moving into new custom-designed Group administration
offices in Chandler’s Ford and the construction
FAR EAST AND WESTERN
of a new purpose-built Hendy Ford dealership in
Chichester, Sussex. All these changes were brought
about by the Ford Motor Company’s revised dealership policy,
as well as expansion of the Group’s Ford and Iveco truck
business. The purchase of the Salisbury based AVH Rentals van
and truck rental business also had a significant effect – adding
nine further locations - as did the acquisition of Western Truck
& Van Co. The latter created two more depots at Exeter and
Yeovil for the Hendy Trucks division, further extending its
geographical coverage and market penetration.
In just a couple of years, the Group had increased its holdings
substantially and widened its area of operation. Also, the payroll
had increased from approximately 750 to almost 1,000 and
total sales turnover at the Millennium was approaching
£200m – an increase of 50% since 1998.
To reflect the changing nature of its business, Hendy Lennox
(Industrial Engines) Limited was renamed Hendy Lennox Power
Products Limited in 1985. It became known as ‘Hendy Power’ and
quickly extended its specialist operations to include computerised
engine testing facilities for car manufacturers, as well as producing
original equipment and specialist vehicles. It would soon be at the
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.
The company then designed and built the Gentrac Road Train
targeted primarily at the leisure industry. Hendy Leisure Limited
was set up to exploit the sales potential and Gentrac Road Trains
began to run at holiday resorts, theme parks and other leisure
complexes around the world, including places in the UK like the
Eden Project, Kew Gardens, Bournemouth, Poole and Torquay.
CHAPTER THREETRUCKS, TRAINS & EASTERN PROMISE
Above:
The Gentrac Road Train, Exeter. 1992.
Right:
Hendy Honda dealership, Exeter. 1996.
Below:
Hendy Ford, Shirley Road. Circa 1997.
20
Ford’s move into rallying with the Sierra Cosworth
was the catalyst for the formation of Hendy Ford
Motorsport in 1987. To date, the company’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 AND MOTORSPORT
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.
21
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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 anunbeatable 5995!...AND you get a choice of colours.....metallic or nonmetallic.
Most of these models have power steering,..and because they fall intoa low insurance group are ideal as a second family car or as a smart towncar.
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 strongadvertising and intense promotional activity. To get the vital messages across, the company has used avariety of media forms. In the beginning it was just press and poster, but more recently it has also includedTV, radio and the internet. Examples of advertising through the years can be seen here and elsewhere inthe book.
7
CORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS WITH FORDCHAPTER FOUR
With the arrival of the new Millennium, expansion remained the
buzzword in the boardroom. During the first few months of 2000,
Hendy was appointed as a new sub-dealer for Iveco Truck services
and parts, enabling the Van & Truck division to put down roots
in Cornwall. The truck business continued to flourish and in 2004
a new £1m state-of-the-art servicing and parts facility opened
in Portsmouth.
The car business too was going from strength to strength and
the same year Hendy opened its first Mazda dealership in Easton
Lane, Winchester. The Ford Motor Company had owned part of
Mazda since 1979 and Mazda had been basing some of its models
on the Ford Focus and Fiesta.
It seemed logical, therefore, for Hendy to turn its attention to
this Japanese car manufacturer and increase the number of car
marques under the Hendy umbrella.
In 2005, Hendy took another big step – acquiring the South-
West’s biggest used car dealership, Exeter Car Supermarket.
Established twelve years earlier, Exeter Car Supermarket had
built a reputation for delivering main dealer quality at supermarket
prices. This was quite a departure for Hendy; a company that
up until now had concentrated only on franchised operations.
The success of Exeter Car Supermarket was unprecedented and
was voted ‘Best in the South’ Award by ‘What Car’ magazine
in 2006. (continued on page 25)
Below:
Hendy Mazda dealership. 2006.
2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 20122004 2009
2002Paul A. Hendy appointed
Managing Director.
2004New £1m truck service & partsfacility opens in Portsmouth.
2005Iveco Daily ‘Dealer of the Year’.Exeter Car Supermarket acquired.
2009Honda dealerships in Winchester,Southampton and Portsmouth acquired.Hendy celebrates150 years in business.
20061st Kia dealership opens inCosham. Mazda dealershipopens at Chandler’s Ford.
2007Closure of the Chandler’s Ford site.New dealership opens in Eastleigh.
2010Hendy celebrates100years as a Ford dealer.
2004First Mazda dealershipopens in Winchester.Power Products relocatesto Cosham.
2004Brian F. Hendy appointed
Chairman.
2007Parts warehouse opens atHedge End. Body Shop opensin Segensworth.
2003Acquisition of Ford
premises in Marchwood.
2000Hendy Ford dealerships openin Winchester and Fareham.
22
2008Ford dealership inRomsey acquired.
CHAPTER FOURCORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS
WITH FORD
Since its formation in 1991, Hendy Hire has played an important
role in the business, providing private and business customers
with an alternative to traditional vehicle supply and financing.
The acquisition of AVH Rentals in 1999 significantly boosted
the size and breadth of the vehicle fleet, along with the
geographical coverage.
Operating from locations across the south and south west of
England, today’s fleet comprises a comprehensive range of
vehicles, ranging from small passenger cars through to 42-tonne
trucks, available for short-, medium- and long-term hire.
Moving people or freight, the composition of the Hendy Hire
fleet ensures that whatever the customer needs, business or
private, Hendy Hire can accommodate them.
2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2023 2024 20252017 2022
23
HENDY HIRE
2011Hendy celebrates35 years with Iveco.
2011Hendy celebrates15 years with Honda.
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With two big names like Ford and Iveco in its showrooms, it is
little wonder that Hendy Van & Truck has enjoyed huge success
over the years.
Both are global players. Ford needs no introduction and the
Ford Transit van has remained market leader for over 40 years.
Iveco, too, can boast a long, illustrious history. In 1866, shortly
after FA Hendy began building bikes in Whitchurch, Conrad
Dieter Magirus started to manufacture fire-fighting equipment
at Ulm in Germany. Many developments later, came the Fiat
Group’s momentous move in 1975 to bring together five
experienced European commercial vehicle manufacturers –
Fiat, Lancia, UNIC, OM and Magirus - to form the Industrial
Vehicle Corporation, better known as Iveco.
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.
In 1986 following a 50-50 joint venture between Iveco and Ford,
Britain welcomed the Iveco Ford Truck company. Seven years
later, Hendy Van & Truck was appointed Iveco Ford Dealer for
Hampshire and Dorset.
Today, Hendy Van & Truck is a hugely successful side of the
Hendy business, responsible for 30% of total Group turnover
with 220 dedicated staff. In addition, Vectis of the Isle of Wight
and Edwards of Salisbury are service and parts sub-dealers –
having been appointed in 1995 - with Vospers of Plymouth and
St Austell acting in a similar capacity since the year 2000.
In 2005 Hendy received the Iveco ‘Daily Dealer of the Year’
award, capping a highly successful year. However, another
very important milestone for Hendy Van & Truck is the
celebration in 2011 of the 35 year partnership between
Hendy and Iveco.
IN THE BIG LEAGUE
CHAPTER FOURCORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS
WITH FORD
24
Then in March 2006 a second Hendy Mazda dealership was
acquired; this time in Hiltingbury Road, Chandler’s Ford. The
services from this site were soon to be re-homed in the
forthcoming multi-franchise dealership in Eastleigh.
The same month, Hendy Kia became the newest addition to the
Hendy Group. This again showed the enterprise of the Hendy
Group by teaming up with the UK’s fastest growing car marque.
The Kia operation sits alongside the Ford side of the business in
the Cosham dealership in Portsmouth.
Further big changes have taken place during mid 2007, paving
the way for the group’s expansion plans. The closure of the
Chandler’s Ford dealership was a hugely significant event. Not
only had this site been the pinnacle of all the dealerships, it was
the oldest and consequently had a great amount of history to its
name. Its closure in 2007 was a sad day for many. To replace
the Chandler’s Ford dealership a new purpose-built dealership
was constructed only a mile or so away in Eastleigh, to the highest
and most modern specifications. This spectacular site is now
home to the Ford, Mazda and Kia franchises, alongside
a state-of-the-art 24 bay service workshop, parts department
and a display of around 200 quality used cars.
In conjunction with the opening of the new Eastleigh dealership,
the Hendy Body side of the business was relocated too. Once
again, a brand new state-of-the-art facility was constructed in
Segensworth, being perfectly located between Portsmouth and
Southampton. This new Body Shop was designed to accommodate
all makes and models of cars plus commercial vehicles, whilst
being equipped with the most technologically advanced equipment
to date.
The fourth and final major change that took place in 2007 was
the opening of the Hendy Parts Trade Centre in Hedge End near
Southampton. The new facility holds over £1m worth of stock at
any one time, ensuring that all main franchise parts are available
for immediate delivery.
Meanwhile, a local Ford dealership in Romsey was acquired in
2008. This well-known family-run business had very similar values
to Hendy, and in March 2008 Rayco Ford was purchased providing
continued Ford sales, services and body repairs in the area.
With the recession biting by the end of the decade it was natural
that the company had to take action in order to retain its strength
in the market place. Hendy Body in Bournemouth closed its doors
ending a long history with the area and the LDV commercial
vehicle franchise, which had recently been added to the Hendy
Truck portfolio, ceased trading in 2008.
The recession had some advantages too and when the opportunity
to purchase the successful Alan Day Honda business came along,
it seemed an opportunity too good to be missed. In early 2009
and in Hendy’s 150th year in business, three further Honda
dealerships were subsequently added to the existing Hendy
Honda business with dealerships opening in Winchester,
Southampton West Quay and Portsmouth. Hendy now had Honda
presence in Hampshire and Devon.
2010 proved to be a quieter year when it came to company
expansion and acquisitions, but nevertheless, it was a very
significant year in the history of the Hendy Group. 100 years
earlier, Percy Hendy signed the very first contract with Ford Motor
Company to become Britain’s first Ford dealer and, in true style,
the Hendy Group celebrated this long and fruitful partnership.
Over the last 100 years, the Hendy Group has sold products from
a number of franchises including Benz, Bolle and Dion, but it is
Ford that has remained the backbone of the business.
This historic year also sees the restructuring of the Board of
Directors with changes to the operational structure for Hendy
Holdings Limited and Hendy Group Limited. This new structure
will keep the company streamlined and stronger for future
generations...and the next 100 years.
25
Left:Eastleigh dealership.
Right (top):Hendy Car Supermarket.
Right (middle):Hendy Kia Cosham.
Right (bottom):Hendy Honda Portsmouth.
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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.
26
In 2010 Hendy Ford reached a remarkable milestone -
a 100-year relationship with the Ford Motor Company.
100 YEARS WITH FORD
CHAPTER FOURCORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS
WITH FORD
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.
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 Britain’s first Ford dealer and the company has never looked back.
27
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100 years with Ford
In 2010 Hendy reached a remarkable milestone – a 100-year
relationship with the Ford Motor Company. Any centenary is
special but what makes this unique is that back then, in 1910,
we became Britain’s first official Ford main dealer.
History in the making
The actual signing of the Dealership Agreement took place on
7th November 1910 between Percy Hendy and Ford Motor
Company who had arrived to announce the formation of the
Ford Motor Company in Great Britain. This famous meeting with
Percy Hendy, who had been given the role to expand the motor-
car side of the business by his father, was one of the most
significant events in the company’s history and set Hendy off
on the road to success.
From strength to strength
In 1911, the first UK Model T rolled off the production line at
Trafford Park, Manchester. Affectionately known as ‘Tin Lizzie’
this had immediate appeal and Hendy was quick to capitalise.
The Hendy Southampton operation was expanded and a new
subsidiary opened in Boscombe, Bournemouth. Dagenham
soon became the home of Ford and a succession of new
models followed – the Model A, the Y Type and the V-8. Despite
1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960
Model T Model A Model Y Pilot Zodiac Cortina
1910Hendy becomes Britain’s first Ford dealer.
1920Premises acquired at Pound Tree Road,Southampton.
1926Palmerston Road dealership opens.
1931Relocation at Empress Road.
1938Vincent’s Walk development andChandler’s Ford site opens.
1940Pound Tree Road destroyed by Germanbombing.
1960Golden Jubilee as a Ford dealer.
1956New Cosham dealership built, trading asGordon Motors.
the intervention of two World Wars, Hendy continued to grow
as people took Ford cars to their hearts. By the 1950s, Hendy
had restructured and expanded its franchise operation several
times to keep pace with demand, including a new site at
Chandler’s Ford. The arrival of the Consul and Zephyr Six, the
100E Anglia/Prefect and the powerful Mk.2 Consul/Zephyr/
Zodiac range all helped to boost sales, as did the launch of
the popular Cortina in 1962. With the truck and van side of
the business also growing, Hendy was able to offer a succession
of household names, like the Escort, Fiesta, Transit and
Mondeo. Ford’s move into rallying with the Sierra Cosworth
was the catalyst for the formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport
in 1987. In 1993, Hendy Van & Truck was appointed Iveco Ford
Dealer for Hampshire and Dorset. Five years later, a new
Hendy Ford dealership was built in Chichester and, in 2000,
we opened dealerships in Winchester and Fareham.
Celebrating the event
Today, the Group remains justifiably proud of its unique link
with the Ford Motor Company and, 100 years on, the bond
between us is as strong as ever – with Ford still accounting
for over 60% of Hendy Group business.
To mark the centenary a celebratory lunch was held at the
famous Goodwood House. Guests included executives from
Ford Motor Company, Hendy Ford business partners, long-
standing employees of the business and the Hendy family.
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
ortina Granada Capri Sierra Mondeo Focus RS
960olden Jubilee as a Ford dealer.
1987Formation of Hendy Ford Motorsport.
1989Car dealerships renamed as Hendy Ford.
1997New Ford dealerships in Shirley andMillbrook, Southampton.
1998Hendy Ford Chichester opens.
2000New Ford dealerships open inWinchester and Fareham.
2007New dealership opens in Eastleigh.
2010Hendy celebrate 100 years as a Ford dealer.
Back row, left to right:
Stephen HendyNorman Hendy
Brian HendyJohn Hendy
Front row, left to right:
Clare HendyPaul Hendy
Christine Hendy
28
CHAPTER FOURCORNWALL, KIA AND 100 YEARS
WITH FORD
29
HENDY VALUES AND PROMISES
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Without travelling far, Hendy has come a long way from the small
bicycle repair shop in Whitchurch. Today, the company has in
excess of twenty separate premises stretching across southern
England from Devon to West Sussex, housing over 700 staff and
handling between them over £200m worth of business.
Hendy can now boast Ford, Mazda, Kia and Honda car franchises,
plus Ford and Iveco truck and van franchises. The company
handles all aspects including sales, servicing, parts, hire, accident
repairs and Rapid Fit centres. Specialist operations include
engine dynamometer testing, fuel injection testing and repairs,
as well as engine sales to the construction and marine industries.
But whilst having grown to a company of significant geographical
and economic size, the Hendy Group remains a closely-knit
family concern. Currently, both the Chairman and Deputy
Chairman are great-grandsons of the company founder
F. A. Hendy, with the next generation of sons and daughters
within the company structure ensuring the continuity of the
family business. 2010 brought with it changes at boardroom
level, with responsibilities being handed down to the next
generation, ensuring the best possible structure for the future.
Throughout the company’s history, the Hendy family can be
said to have followed good business practice – grasping
opportunities as they’ve appeared, reviewing operations in order
to remain efficient and keeping up with manufacturers’ changing
demands. Above all, the Hendy family has always been careful
to continue to meet the needs of customers, ensuring that they
enjoy the best service and attention at all times.
Let us finish this colourful history of Hendy with one of Henry
Ford’s famous quotes - ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying
together is progress, and working together is success.’ The
Hendy family has certainly shown that to be true. Here’s to the
next 100 or so years.
WE WILL• Always make customers feel welcome, valued, appreciated
and acknowledged.
• Do everything in our power to exceed customers’ expectationsby understanding their real needs.
• Keep our word and our promises.
• Be honest and trustworthy in everything we do.
• Listen and demonstrate real understanding at all times.
• Develop ourselves continuously to turn our vision into a realityfor customers and staff.
WE WILL NOT• Talk the customers, the company, the suppliers or the staff
and management down.
• Display negativity.
• Accept second best.
• Tolerate poor handling of our customers.
• Use ‘jargon’ and confuse customers or staff.
• Put things off, bury our heads in the sand or close our doorsand ‘hide’.
We are the premier family motor group delivering 100% customer and employee satisfaction.
OUR MISSION
We are customer focused, professional, quality driven, honest and fair in all activities.
OUR VALUES
30
HENDY HOLDINGS LIMITEDBOARD OF DIRECTORS
31
BRIAN HENDY
Chairman
NORMAN HENDY
Deputy Chairman
PAUL HENDY
Managing Director
COLIN MOIR
Finance Director
PAUL HENDY
Managing Director
ANDY STEVENSON
Sales Director
STEPHEN HENDY
Aftersales Director
COLIN MOIR
Finance Director
JOHN HENDY
Systems & ResourcesDirector
HENDY GROUP LIMITEDBOARD OF DIRECTORS
32
OPERATIONS BOARD & DIVISIONSPAUL
HENDY
CLARE
HENDY
IAN
DAVIE
STEPHEN
HENDY
ANDY
STEVENSON
VINCE
MANN
STEVE
ROBERTS
GRAHAM
KIRK
TIM
WOODS
PAUL
MOCKETT
COLIN
MOIR
JOHN
HENDY
FRANK
THOW
IAN
MULLEN
ANDY
SMITH
SIMON
PALMER
HendyCarSupermarket
Hendy Ford
HendyHire
HendyHonda
HendyIveco
HendyMazda
HendyPower
Hendy Kia
HendyService
HendyGroupESTABLISHED 1898
Hendy Ford HendyHonda
HendyParts HendyBusiness HendyMotorsport HendyLeisure HendyCarSupermarket
HendyIveco HendyMazdaHendy Kia
HendyVan&Truck HendyHire HendyPower HendyBody
WWW.HENDY.CO.UK
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.
HendyGroupESTABLISHED 1898
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