12:36 pm, March 12, 2019
A CHELMSFORD dealership is being kept in the family by the next generation after ownership was transferred from parents to daughter.
Sarah-Jane Mair had worked for Rettendon Car Sales since 1994 but has now taken over from John and Pauline Mair, who had run the dealership since 1971 and were looking to retire.
Established in 1955 by her grandfather, Albert Mair, Rettendon Car Sales has expanded to become one of the only specialist dealerships selling wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) for people with a wide range of needs and disabilities in Essex.
In a nod to her father’s local reputation as ‘The Van Man’, the business will continue under her ownership as ‘The WAV Man’, but Mair has added an income stream by renting out part of the forecourt to used car dealership BetterCar, helping to create four jobs.
‘It has always been my ambition to continue the family business,’ said Mair, who used a £200,000 business loan from NatWest to buy the Main Road business from her mum and dad.
‘The funding from NatWest means I am in the position to buy my parents out and allow them to start their well-deserved retirement.
‘Over the years, we have gained a reputation as a reliable and trusted dealership business, specialising in wheelchair-accessible vehicles over the last three years. I hope to continue to build on this success and grow the business further, ensuring it remains in the family for generations to come.’
NatWest relationship manager Jade Holland said: ‘Sarah-Jane’s parents have built a well-established business, and as one of the only wheelchair-accessible vehicle dealerships in the area, the service they offer is invaluable to those that need it.
‘The funding we’ve provided will enable Sarah-Jane to continue to grow the business, safeguarding its future and its positive impact on the local community.’
Pictured at top are Sarah-Jane Mair, left, and Jade Holland
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