In half a century of business on Newport High Street, Brown’s Motors have pretty much seen everything.
From recessions to sweeping changes in the motor business, Brown’s have weathered it all - and come out on top.
The Ford Car dealership and garage have this month celebrated 50 years in the town.
And owner Ray Corbett has attributed the businesses’ longevity to two factors - the loyalty of his long-serving staff, and the loyalty of his customers.
“We have a very loyal customer base who just keep coming back time after time because we do have such a good reputation,” he said.
“Some of the customers now are the sons and daughters of those we’ve dealt with in the past - so it’s been passed on through generations.
“We get a lot of customers coming in from Market Drayton, Telford and a lot of other areas.
“And then there’s my very loyal staff.
“A lot of them have been here for a very long time and I really do appreciate them.”
Mr Corbett, from Edgmond, started working with the company as an apprentice mechanic 48 years ago, aged 17.
Gradually over seven years he moved onto sales and then, finally, in 1973 he bought out the previous owners.
Now, though, aged 66, Mr Corbett is winding down and thinking about retirement.
Consequently Brown’s will soon stop its Ford sales operation and focus more on the workshop aspect of the business.
He explained: “We’re not going out of operation of anything like that.
“But, because of the expenses involved in doing the show room up, at my age I didn’t think it was justified.
“We’ll cease doing the Ford part, but only as regards the new car sales.
“We’ll still be doing the sales, and the workshop will be remain Ford authorised.
“I’m not being forced into anything but I think that it is right to slow down a bit and this if the first stage of that.”
Many of Mr Corbett’s staff have prolonged their own retirement while the transition takes place.
Dorothy Loveday has served the company as a valeter and cleaner for well over 30 years, while Janet Herriman and Ben Hanson have clocked up nearly 40 years between them.
Workshop foreman Paul Briscoe, meanwhile, has been with the company for 22 years and is expected to take over from Mr Corbett when he does finally step down.
But while fond memories are aplenty, the popular local trader does not envy those trying to set up their own business in these difficult economic conditions.
He continued: “This year has been one of the toughest of the 50 years.
“We have bucked the trend to an extent because we have still had a good year. But I certainly wouldn’t want to be starting out again.
“Things are going to get very difficult in the next 10 to 15 years.”
Brown’s Motors plan to hold a celebration to mark their milestone in the next couple of weeks.
By Sean Wozencroft
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