How we began…
Kempston Radiators began just after the First World War created by two brothers Elwyn and Guy Davies. Both brothers served time in France (Somme) as army engineers repairing trucks and machinery which included the repair of radiators. They called their business The Conquest Radiator Company naming it after the street their workshop was based.
In the 1950’s the company moved premises to Kempston Mill and the brothers decided to change the company name to Davies Bros. The brothers continued to work here up until their retirement in 1973.
The Team
Roger Shoosmith started out working for Guy and Elwyn after school and at weekends. He began by assisting with their gardening but soon started helping out in the radiator workshop. With a lifetime of experience Roger was able to take over the business when the brothers’ retired. Changing the name to Kempston Radiator Repairs Roger continued to trade at The Mill until 1986. He then moved Kempston Radiators moved to purpose built premises on the Woburn Road Industrial Estate.
Steve Shoosmith joined Kempston Radiators in 1984 at age 16 as a summer job before returning to further education, by the end of the summer however his decision had changed and Steve became the company’s first employee, a father and son team.
In 1986 the decision was made to drop ‘repairs’ from the company name to become Kempston Radiators. Up to this point repairs was the only service offered but with the move to larger premises we were able to stock and distribute new radiators as well.
In 1988 Roger’s youngest son Andrew joined the company, again straight from school, along with Roger’s recently retired father Jack. Jack had retired as a lorry driver from London Brick Company and became Kempston Radiators first delivery driver.
Over the next 9 years Kempston Radiators continued to grow and take on more staff. During this period Andrew demonstrated an interest in mechanical repairs and in 1997 the directors made an acquisition of a local garage called Gavin Motors based at old Elstow Storage Depot. Andrew went on to take control of the daily running of the company, changing the name to Gavin Fleetcare and in 1999 the company moved to purpose built premises on the Woburn Road Industrial Estate.
Where we are today
Kempston Radiators continued to expand and it soon became obvious it had outgrown its premises. Therefore in 2010 the decision was made to move to new premises on Woburn Road industrial estate, which is the site we still occupy today. This allows us to offer a much wider range of services with state of the art facilities.
It’s been an interesting journey! but one we are very proud of and continue to grow and develop the company and services we can offer.
If you need cooling or Garage services in Kempston, Bedford then why not get in touch!
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