The History of a family business

Central Garage Lichfield, Est. 1932
1932

Founded by Edgar Kershaw

Founded by Edgar Kershaw

Formed in 1932 as Central Garage with Grand Father Edgar Kershaw as proprietor, the company was setup and still is a family owned and operated business to this day. The old Central Garage was located in Conduit Street, now a McDonalds.

1935

Early Central Garage business card

Early Central Garage business card

An early business card for Central Garage – the phone number was only 4 digits long!

1946

Mary Kershaw joins Fred in the family business

Mary Kershaw joins Fred in the family business

After playing her part producing munitions during WW2, Mary joins Central Garage to help her younger brother (Fred) run the business. Fred and Mary both ran the business in partnership until it became a limited company in 1982 when she became company secretary.

1959

Fred Kershaw takes on Central Garage from his Father

Fred Kershaw takes on Central Garage from his Father

Fred Kershaw, son of Edgar Kershaw, follows in his Father’s footsteps, stepping up to run Central Garage. Fred was a Freeman of Lichfield’s Worshipful Company of Smiths and a friend of Tewkesbury Abbey. He sadly passed away in 1988.

1962

Norman Kershaw in training

Norman Kershaw in training

Pictured here is Norman Kershaw, training in the family trade. Son of Fred Kershaw, Norman went on to run Central Garage

1971

Kershaw Family with their recovery vehicle

Kershaw Family with their recovery vehicle

Fred (front), Norman (rear) and David (right) with sisters on annual holiday aboard Central Garage’s Recovery vehicle.

1972

A young David Kershaw

A young David Kershaw

Already keen to follow in the family business, pictured here, a young David Kershaw.

1982
1983

Central Garage moves to Queen Street

Central Garage moves to Queen Street

Central Garage moves from Conduit Street to Queen Street – and the old garage is turned into a fast food giant from America! McDonalds is still there to this day.

1988

David & Norman Kershaw take over Central Garage

With the death of their Father, David and Norman take over operations at Central Garage

1991

Expansion to Queen Street

Expansion to Queen Street

With demand in the city for high quality vehicle maintenance and new vehicle testing technology requiring more room, Central extend their operation with a new floor for offices and storage and meeting rooms!

2010

Change of directors – David Kershaw becomes MD

Central employees Phil Douthwaite and Dave Borton become directors of Central Garage

2018

David Kershaw Takes Over Central Garage

David Kershaw Takes Over Central Garage

David had successfully run Central Garage with his brother Norman for many years. David has now taken on 100% of the business to ensure the family business continues.

2019

Christopher Hattersley becomes a director of Central Garage

Christopher Hattersley becomes a director of Central Garage

Having worked at Central Garage for many years, managing the reception and customer service desk, Christopher is promoted to become a director of the business.

2020

COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 Lockdown

The garage remains open throughout the Covid-19 Lockdown with 50% staff. The rest of the staff are furloughed. Slowly the workforce returns from June onwards. Pictured – John Barker (JB) retires after 18 years with the business and nearly 50 years on the spanners!