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Hendy Group has celebrated its centenary as a Ford dealer in style with a VIP lunch at Goodwood House to mark this tremendous milestone.
The group became the first Ford dealer in Britain in November 1910 and its growth and success since then was celebrated at Goodwood House today with a lunch hosted by Hendy Group chairman Brian Hendy.
Guests included Ford of Britain managing director Nigel Sharp together with companies and individuals who have played a key role in the fortunes of the company over the years – and of course a host of Ford motor cars spanning the decades.
“We are honoured that so many people want to share our centenary celebrations with us and delighted to mark this achievement in such prestigious surroundings,’’ said Mr Hendy. “One hundred yearsw ago Henry Ford arrived in Southampton after a transatlantic voyage to launch the Ford Motor Company in the UK and a meeting with Percy Hendy was the start of Hendy Ford.’’
“The company still remains firmly in the Hendy family but we have come a long way since those early days.’’
The Hendy name is synonymous with the Ford brand with successful car and truck dealerships throughout the region from Poole through to Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and Chichester.
In addition the company has also expanded its operations to include dealerships for Kia, Mazda and Honda together with increasing its geographical spread west to Devon and Cornwall.
Today the company employs in the region of 700 people at 21 locations throughout the south and has a turnover of £250 million. Its close relationship with Ford and the Swaythling Transit factory has been an important element in the commercial success and its Power Products division produces engines for a wide range of commercial uses.
Paying tribute to such an impressive achievement, Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "We are delighted that Hendy is celebrating 100 years as a Ford dealer. It is a tribute to Hendy, and fitting for the Ford connection, that the first UK dealer to be signed up to sell Ford vehicles is continuing in the same business stronger than ever, still run by family members. A key factor in its success is its stated mission to achieve 100 per cent customer satisfaction and its outstanding results show it is a long way toward meeting this goal."
Mr Hendy said the company’s success could be attributed to a number of factors. “Throughout the 100 years we have been conscious that the industry has changed continually and we have focused on being at the forefront of new developments, ensuring high levels of quality in every area of the business to build up customer loyalty and becoming an integral part of the communities in which we operate,’’ said Mr Hendy. 
Pictured left to right at the Hendy Ford centenary celebrations – Brian Hendy, Ford of Britain managing director Nigel Sharp and Paul Hendy
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The Hendy Group has been supplying quality vehicles to satisfied customers across the South Coast since 1910.
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