The Directors and staff at Ron Brooks Limited on Derby Road in Ilkeston would like to wish a fond farewell to After Sales Director Alan Bates who has retired from the business after 52 years of service.
Alan started with the company on its first day of business on 1st July 1962 along with Ron and Elsie Brooks as Ron’s only mechanic and worked in the Lubrication Bay at the newly created Derby Road Service Station for 12 hours a day!
As the business grew and the number of staff increased, along with the size of the site (workshop, showroom and parts department) and the acquisition of the Simca franchise in 1963 Alan took on more responsibility and became After Sales Director in 1968. In 1973 the company took on the Toyota franchise for the area.
Alan became instrumental in delivering the high customer service which Ron Brooks Limited has become renowned for and forged strong ties within Toyota GB Ltd and Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK for excellent customer service and technical expertise.
In 2003 he transferred to Mansfield to open a second site for Ron Brooks. In 2005 Alan managed the transfer of the old Service Department Reception to the newly built Showroom of Ron Brooks Limited on Derby Road, Ilkeston.
Alan has gradually reduced his executive responsibilities but has remained a Director up to 30th June 2014. Alan aged 71 is now looking forward to spending his retirement with his wife Margaret and his 3 grandchildren whilst continuing to enjoy his main passion of holidays and travel.
Kevin Slack, Managing Director, said:
‘It is a rare occurrence for one person to work for so long at one place, Alan has been instrumental in setting the culture of the business together with Ron Brooks and he leaves a strong legacy and many colleagues who will continue to deliver the special family business values of integrity and customer service and wishes him a long and healthy retirement.’
