Joseph Richardson is the 5th generation Richardson to work in the Goole based family firm, which was established in 1892 by his great grandfather, also called Joseph Richardson. Joseph joined the business in 2004 which then comprised of two car dealerships and service station at Glews Garage, Goole.
In the last 8 years Director Joseph has grown the forecourt and convenience store side of the business with the purchase and development of 4 new forecourt sites: Filey Service Station; Primrose Valley Service Station; York Road Garage, Escrick and Longs Corner Service Station, Howden.
Joseph was also responsible for bringing the business at Goole under one brand name in 2010. This involved a re-vamp of the corporate image and improvements to the operation of the business by amalgamating the aftersales and used car departments, and creating a MOT test and valet centre that offers Class IV, Class V (light), Class VII and motorbike MOTs.
He now takes on the role of Managing Director of the whole Company.
Joseph said “my objective is to grow the forecourt side of the business even further with the acquisition of more sites. The convenience sector is growing and playing an increasing role in people’s everyday shopping habits. We aim to the best in class providing customers with modern forecourt facilities a good range of quality products and above all excellent customer service.
I will also be taking on responsibility for our established dealerships at Glews Garage which remain an integral part of our business; my focus will be to build on the reputation that my father, Timothy, has worked hard to develop over the last 30 years.
I am proud to be taking on the role of Managing Director for a company that has such a strong heritage. It is a big responsibility but I am ready for the challenge.”
After studying Business Management at Newcastle University Joseph started his career on the Graduate Training Scheme at National Power before moving to Centrica where he was a Marketing Manager.
Joseph plays an active role in the local business community; he was President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Hull in 2008 and is currently Vice Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Goole.
Timothy Richardson will take on the role of Chairman after serving for 30 years as Managing Director. Tim joined the long established family business in 1966 at that time it comprised a coal trading arm as well as a credit loan business and travel agency. He worked in all areas of the Company before he bought Glews Garage in 1978 and over the years he grew the business into the thriving motor, fuel and convenience retailer that it has become today.
By the late 1980’s the coal trading business was suffering due to the ill effects of the 1984/5 industrial dispute and the influx of foreign coals had taken a large share of the domestic market. In 1988 the decision was taken by Tim and his father David to sell the coal business to the British Fuel Company.
By the 1990s Glews was an established Vauxhall franchise with Service Workshops, an Accident Repair Centre and a 24 Hour Recovery Service, as well as a Texaco petrol forecourt. In 1990 Tim took the decision to build Richwood Garage, a new car dealership with the Peugeot franchise. The Texaco forecourt was also re-developed into a new 24 hour high volume Service Station under the Shell brand.
Tim said “After 30 years of being Managing Director of Jos Richardson & Son Ltd I feel it is time to pass the mantel onto my son Joseph. Joseph has been running the forecourts over the last 8 years with great success and he is now ready to step up and take charge of the Company. I am extremely proud that he and his sister Jane are part of the family business and feel confident that the Company is in good hands for the next generation.
There have been many changes over the years and the Company has gone from strength to strength. I know that there are many plans for further development and I am confident that Jos Richardson will continue to grow under Joseph’s leadership. I will still play an active role, as Chairman, however this change will give me more time to spend in the garden and with my wife and grandchildren.”
Tim has always been involved in the local community. He was the chairman of the committee of Westfield Banks and the instigator behind the rebuild of the Rugby and Tennis Club in 1996. He was chairman of Boothferry Enterprise 2000 and Chairman of Governors for Howden Junior School. Tim was also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce serving as President in Goole and a Director in Hull. Currently he is in the Goole Rotary Club, of which he is a past President.