7:28 am, July 28, 2026
One of Mazda’s longest-serving UK dealerships has celebrated 50 years representing the Japanese manufacturer.
Edwards Mazda, based near Worcester, marked the milestone with a community event attended by customers, local families and business partners, celebrating five decades of trading with the brand.
The dealership first partnered with Mazda in 1976, making it one of the manufacturer’s longest-established retail partners in the UK.
It later expanded into a multi-franchise operation in 1999 but has continued to represent Mazda throughout.
Today the business remains firmly in family ownership. Adrian Edwards serves as managing director, Sandra Edwards heads up human resources and the next generation of the family is already involved, with Tom Edwards currently completing an apprenticeship in the service and parts department.
Over the past five decades the retailer has built a reputation as one of Mazda’s strongest-performing dealers, most recently being named Sales Dealer of the Year at the 2026 Mazda All Stars Awards.
To mark the anniversary, Edwards Mazda opened its doors to the local community for a family celebration hosted by Sunshine Radio.
The event featured live entertainment, food stalls, family games and displays of historic Mazda models, including the iconic RX-7, alongside artwork created by pupils from Kempsey Primary School based on the Mazda MX-5.
A charity tombola held during the celebrations raised £200 for St Richard’s Hospice, while the dealership also recognised young artists from the local primary school with prizes for their winning designs.
The celebrations reflected the dealership’s long-standing commitment to the local community, which has seen it support schools, charities and grassroots sport across Worcestershire.
Recent initiatives have included backing the Wyvern Toy Appeal and local food banks, sponsoring rowing athlete Harriett Bray, supporting Kempsey Colts Football Club and the Worcester Wolves basketball team, as well as providing sports equipment for local schools.
Alison Byers, general manager at Edwards Mazda, said: ‘Celebrating our 50th anniversary with so many of our colleagues, customers, friends and members of the wider community was truly special.
‘Reaching this milestone is a testament to the support we have received over the years and the dedication of the people who have helped shape Edwards Mazda into what it is today.
‘As a family-run business, we are proud of the values that have guided us for five decades and the relationships we have built with our customers and colleagues.’
She added that several members of staff had been with the business for more than 15 years, helping it build long-term relationships with customers across the region.
Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda Motors UK, presented the dealership with a commemorative plaque during the celebrations.
He said: ‘Reaching a 50-year milestone is a remarkable achievement.
‘While the automotive industry has evolved significantly during that time, the dedicated team at Edwards Mazda has consistently delivered exceptional service to our customers and played an important role in Mazda’s success in the UK.’
Thomson added that the dealership was well placed to build on its success with Mazda’s forthcoming model launches, including the new CX-5, Mazda6e and CX-6e.