'My business is celebrating 50 years of trading - I still come to work every day even though I'm retired'
A Jamaican-born man who founded his own business is celebrating 50 years of successful trading.
Lindel Flowers, 88, known as Johnny, set up his own motor business Ashbrow Garage in Huddersfield when he was passed over for promotion.
Fifty years on the business is still independent and employs three generations of his family.
Mr Flowers, who came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation, began by repairing cars for members of Huddersfield’s immigrant community from a friend’s lock-up.
“When I opened the doors in 1976, I just wanted to do honest work and look after people who trusted me,” he said. “Seeing how far we’ve come 50 years later, surrounded by my children and grandchildren, is more than I ever could have dreamed.”
He believes the business is the oldest in town set up by a Jamaican.
A complete renovation in 2014 gave the premises a new lease of life ensuring that the workshop and sales can keep pace with modern cars.
His son, Robert Flowers, joined him in the business straight after university in the 1990s, as joint owner and company director.
Together, they have built the garage’s reputation for quality used cars, particularly Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda models, while its on-site workshop continues to provide MoTs, servicing and repairs.
Robert’s son and daughter now work alongside him, the third generation of the family, while Johnny, though officially retired, still comes in every day.
Robert said: “Reaching 50 years isn’t just a milestone for our family; it’s a celebration of Huddersfield and the customers who have backed us through every decade.
“My father set the standard in 1976, and we’re proud to carry that same philosophy forward today.”