After being injured when a mine collapsed, Frank was never again to venture into a mine; instead, he bought a sweet shop and later developed it into a hardware store.
The business included the distribution of kerosene in horse-drawn tankers, a later version was leased to Shell “with maintenance” being the provision of horses to pull the tanker and with relief horses also being supplied and the originals taken back for rest and recuperation. This is believed to be the first ever contract hire deal.
The first dealership was Ford vehicles in Chesterfield under George, (George Kenning Ltd) who would later become Sir George Kenning.
Expands to 300 Depots Nationwide including car dealerships, hire depots, tyre services. The company was the nation’s largest independent tyre supplier, parts wholesaler and petrol retailer. Electric milk float manufacturers and depots were even in France and Zimbabwe.
1960 The HQ in Chesterfield of the Kenning Motor Group. It had 8,000 employees worldwide.
1966 KMG built a Motorway services on the M5 at Strensham. KMG also built another after on the M62 at Anderton, which was opened by Her Majesty the Queen.
Kennings 100 Aniversary
At this time the company was a household name and the entire business focus was on maintaining and enhancing the trust in that name.
A huge event was held at the company’s offices in Chesterfield with over 1,000 guests, mainly customers and suppliers. In addition to noting that every member of staff present had the brief of ensuring the wellbeing of specified guests, so that 100% of guests were covered, our current MD, grandson of Sir George, remembers his father saying in a speech “My father always taught me that the best capital a man can hand to his son is a good name.” At the time he thought it a poor substitute for cash, but after so many years of running a business, he now realises that this was indeed true.
Kennings are taken over as family management had died and their shareholdings by that time represented a tiny percentage. Later George, David, Andrew and Richard Kenning purchase George Kenning Ltd and create GK Group and Ford dealerships in Chesterfield developed.
A few months earlier Richard Kenning, after consulting for a western motor company, moves South and purchases the company which owned the Ford dealerships at Chesham and Amersham, the assets and liabilities, for a pound, later merged into GK Group.
GKL Leasing, Car and Van Rental are started as ancillary businesses.
GK Group set up a brand new dealership in High Wycombe, with a new building and car and van centre.
GKL offices in an Old Chapel in Chesterfield
After 10 very successful years, the directors of GK Group agree that demerger of leasing business would be the way forward and URA Ventures Ltd was formed by Richard Kenning to take on GKL Leasing and at the same time the Southern GK group premises were sold.
Car Net of 1999 was purchased in 2000 by GKL and used to re-market lease cars and also sell used cars in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire and surrounding area.
Where the main building had been knocked down in Chesterfield, In 2006 this office was to flood when the tiny river Hipper burst its banks and staff were rescued by “punt”.
GKL Direct Forge garage near Aylesbury purchased by GKL and used to concentrate on re-marketing of the leasing fleet as well as service to retail customers and prep Flexi-Hire and rental vehicles.
An established joint venture with Bryan Brothers in Bristol called Westward Leasing Ltd covering the south-west was relinquished in 2005 and became Westward Leasing trading as URA Ventures with an office in Bristol to serve customers in the southwest.
2007 was the creation of a new branch of GKL Leasing in the Luton area covering the East Midlands.
GKL move into new offices at the bridge business centre with custom design and substantial parking with added facilities.
At present heads of terms are agreed and final negotiations taking place over a brand new development from the southern operations at Princes Risborough. This is in conjunction with the ever-expanding fleet.
GKL has a bespoke fleet management system for customers with ongoing development and investment (including Mileage Capture and Roadworthiness Checking)
Construction is currently underway of our new offices with parking and charging points in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.
With easy access to the train station and direct links to London our new offices will be a hub of activity. We will be offering business meeting space, charge points, vehicle test drives and customers can configure vehicles on site. Build is expected to finish late 2018 and we look forward to welcoming current and new customers there.
