On the 16th August 1982 Peter Mansell opened the doors and started trading as Newquay Radiators.
Peter remembers the first sales invoice was for a set of number plates, sold to a garage in Roche. Number plates were sold predominately by radiator companies in the 80’s, whereas today, standard number plates are readily bought from the many motor factors around.
Newquay Radiators still supply standard number plates today, but the main bulk of number plate business is for the black and silver pressed plates, which are used on the classic and vintage vehicles, and catering for today’s customers, the latest green number plates for the electric vehicles.
Where did it begin?
Business began at Peter’s home, where his daughters’ playroom doubled-up as the office and the lean-to in the back garden was transformed into a workshop, with a store room adjoining.
The workshop was on the small side and sometimes the repairer preferred to work outside, especially if the radiator was on the large side ( and if the sun was shining !! )
Des, our repairer, has been working at Newquay Radiators from day one, and he can still be found happily rebuilding radiators to this day.
Why is it called Newquay Radiators when the workshop is in Roche, near St Austell ?
Well, the reason for trading as Newquay Radiators is because the original plan was to be based in Newquay. Peter was aware that a business name should suggest the nature of the business, and therefore the trading name of Newquay Radiators was decided upon. The flaw to this plan/decision was that, whilst waiting for the original premises in Newquay to become available, Peter heard about some more suitable premises being built closer to home and decided not to base the business in Newquay.
Terms were agreed for operating in these premises, and Peter and his family waited patiently for the completion of the industrial units at Roche.
Family members also played a big part in fitting out the workshop and office.
18 months after commencement of trade ( February 1984 ), Newquay Radiators was moved to Unit 3A on the Roche Industrial Estate, and the business still operates from these premises today.
Some of the Changes since Newquay Radiators Opened
Cornish Radiators, based at Bodmin ceased trading.
Camborne Radiators closed – Peter purchased the stock ( some of which is still on our shelves today – but you never know, one day it might be just the radiator you are looking for !! )
Serck Marston closed its premises in St Austell.
Totnes Radiators closed – Peter purchased the stock and opened his own workshop, also called Totnes Radiators.
Serck Marston closed it premises on the Marsh Barton Trading Estate. Peter took this opportunity to employ 2 of Serck Marston’s staff and open up his own workshop called Exeter Radiators, which was, conveniently, next door to the old Serck Marston building.
Barnstaple Radiators ceased business.
Serck Marston closed its premises in Portsmouth and Plymouth. Peter purchased stock from both premises, along with workshop and office equipment.
Raysons of Taunton ceased business – Peter took over their phone number to ensure continuity in the Taunton area.
Newquay Radiators – Today
There have been a lot of changes since Newquay Radiators opened its doors in 1982. Many radiator companies have ceased business, leaving fewer and fewer companies in the country to provide the services still needed.
Fortunately, Peter has adapted to the many changes over the years, and the business is still going strong. The workshop continues to provide its services to all the customers still requiring radiator repairs etc, such as farmers, construction workers, coach and bus operators, fishermen and, of course, not forgetting the classic and vintage car enthusiasts.
Markets have also changed. In particular, modern cars do not require radiator repairs, and so Newquay Radiators has adapted to this change by offering competitive prices on the supply of new radiators for these vehicles.
Adapting to the changing markets has also resulted in Newquay Radiators expanding the geographical areas in which it operates. Radiators and oil coolers etc are now being shipped-in from all parts of the UK to be worked upon in the workshop, along with radiators from European customers. In this day of internet and couriers, there are no boundaries to Newquay Radiators’ customer base, and it looks to be extending on a regular basis.
So, let’s raise a glass, or two, to celebrate the 40 years of Newquay Radiators and its success. Peter is still at the helm and as he has no plans of putting his feet up yet ( or even slowing down ), we shall look forward to celebrating the next decade with him. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved with Newquay Radiators !!!!!