Northampton body work business that has been in the same family for three generations celebrates 100th birthday

The family says a personal touch is the key to their success
By Carly Odell
Published 10th Mar 2020, 16:35 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2020, 17:19 BST
The business specialises in car body work repairs.The business specialises in car body work repairs.
The business specialises in car body work repairs.

A Northampton business that specialises in car body work is celebrating its 100th birthday.

Brockhall Coach Works has been in the Desborough family for three generations.

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The business in Clare Street was set up by Harry Desborough in 1920 when cars were more commonly referred to as coaches.

Harry Desborough set up the business in 1920.Harry Desborough set up the business in 1920.
Harry Desborough set up the business in 1920.

Ryan Desborough, who is Harry’s great grandson, said: “My great grandfather set up the company back in 1920 when cars were classed as coaches.

“Then my grandad was there for his whole working life then he passed it on to my dad and his brother.

“It’s something we have wanted to keep going.”

Lee Desborough, Ryan’s father, currently works for the family business alongside his brother Earle.

(left to right): Earle and Lee Desborough are the third generation to work at Brockhall.(left to right): Earle and Lee Desborough are the third generation to work at Brockhall.
(left to right): Earle and Lee Desborough are the third generation to work at Brockhall.
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He has worked there for around 40 years since he left school when his father, Arthur, was in charge.

The 55-year-old said: “My dad will be 88 on Saturday so it’s good that he gets to see the business turn 100.

“He retired around 17 or 18 years ago. I worked alongside him when I left school.”

Both Ryan and Lee believe the key to their 100-year success is the personal touch they put on all their work.

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Lee added: “It’s a small family run business that has kept us busy - we’re one of the oldest in town.

“We have fair pricing and we do a good job and we get a lot of repeat business.”

Ryan continued: “My dad and uncle are the only two who work there. They have had staff over the years but they find it better just the two of them.

“Customers like that it is family run. It gives you a personal touch and you don’t get things like that anymore.

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“By keeping it small, it keeps costs down and overheads low and you haven’t got to worry about who you are keeping on.

“If you take your car to a big shop and it’s rubbish it does not matter but if you take it to a small one one job will make a big difference.”

In its 100th year, the family is thinking ahead to the business being passed to the next generation of the Desboroughs.

Lee said: “My two sons work in the motor trade so there’s always for them to carry it on when I’ve had enough.“

Ryan added: “Hopefully it will be passed to a fourth generation too.”

Related topics:Northampton

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