NEWS
Driven by something different since 1973
Home – Derek Slack Motors moved into its site off the A66 in 2003 .
Car dealership celebrates anniversary hat-trick
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Middlesbrough family business is celebrating a trio of significant anniversaries .
The year 2023 marks half a century in business , as well as 30 years as a Škoda Retailer and 20 years at its Cargo Fleet headquarters . That ’ s quite an accomplishment for a firm that started life repairing vehicles in tiny premises .
Derek Slack established the business in 1973 and still has fond memories of Coral Street , long since demolished .
“ There was only room for one car to be repaired at a time and there was no toilet , so I had to go to the Shipmate around the corner ,” he laughs . “ The rent was £ 5 a week .”
Reliant Robins became popular after the war , when many couples couldn ’ t afford cars and instead rode a motorbike with a sidecar .
The Reliant could be driven on a motorbike tricycle license but offered the luxury of rainproof transport .
Derek Slack became well known for repairing them and business prospered , leading to a move to larger premises in Linthorpe , originally to Stonehouse Street and then to Cumberland Road .
In 1986 Derek ’ s son Tony joined the business as a mechanic , the same as his father , and he has worked in the business ever since , eventually becoming managing director .
In 1993 , Derek read a trade article about Volkswagen buying shares in Škoda . The move was to give Škoda more stability and long-term investment . Derek didn ’ t hesitate to contact Škoda and was appointed the Middlesbrough franchise . It was a wise
Strength – A 1993 advert celebrates German motoring giant VW buying Škoda .
decision by Derek and a pivotal moment for the business .
“ Amusingly , our first yearly target was to sell 36 cars , which caused a great deal of anguish at the time ,” Derek smiles .
In 2003 , running desperately short of space , Derek and Tony purchased three acres of land adjacent to the A66 dual carriageway in Cargo Fleet and built the first version of their current home , a purpose-built , modern garage , complete with workshops , parts departments , showrooms , used car display areas , customer car parking and storage areas .
In 2009 , the company became an agent for Subaru and Isuzu and although they no longer sell the vehicles , they still specialise in repairs and supplying parts .
In 2015 , Derek Slack Motors was featured in the London Stock Exchange ’ s “ 1000 Businesses to Inspire Britain ” report due to its strong performance and revenue growth .
It was one of just 23
North-East companies listed in the report and was certainly something to be proud of .
In 2018 , Derek Slack Motors was awarded the maintenance contract for Middlesbrough Police vehicles . The contract supports local jobs and
Fleet – Škoda ’ s range of cars are renowned for their value and reliability . businesses in the community and also created additional jobs .
The dealership continued to operate during the pandemic , with a dedicated team of nine maintaining and repairing the police and NHS workers ’ vehicles as well as working on coastguard patrol vehicles , doctor ’ s response vehicles , fire brigade trailers and even a road roller !
“ We are very proud that we were able to contribute to the safe running of the local community during that difficult time ,” says Derek .
Derek Slack Motors is now the North- East ’ s oldest Škoda retailer and sells vehicles nationally utilising the internet . The firm has sold almost 30,000 vehicles along the way and is still investing , allowing it to compete with much larger companies .
Tony said : “ Celebrating the company ’ s 50th anniversary is a great achievement . We have employed so many fantastic and talented people over the decades and would not have reached this significant milestone without the continued commitment of all our staff and , more importantly , the ongoing loyalty of our customers , with many returning year after year for both servicing and sales .
“ In an industry dominated by large groups and PLCs , we are immensely proud to still be independent and managed as a family firm , still going strong and looking forward to the future .” derekslackmotors . co . uk
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