Motor group JCT600 unveiled its new head office to Bradford's business community.

The £3 million luxury site at Apperley Bridge was 20 months in the making and got its launch yesterday with a garden party in grounds of the aptly-named Tordoff House.

The historic building is well known in the area, having been home over the years to General Accident insurance and the Apperley Manor Hotel.

The old building was modernised into the custom-made offices, including the construction of an entirely new wing on to the structure.

Jack Tordoff and his son John were on hand to greet guests including Sir Ken Morrison, Bradford Chamber president Balbir Panesar, Bradford City manager Stuart McCall and the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Robin Owens.

Jack said: "As a company we are the most successful privately-owned motor group in the county. Bradford holds a special place in my heart and I was born and bred here."

He added that he felt the city had played a special role in the company's ongoing success and said that he and his company had tried to put something back via its sponsorship of local sporting teams and charity organisations.

The company was started by John Tordoff's grandfather, Edward, shortly after the Second World War.

Today the firm has franchises across the north of England. JCT600 boasts a turnover of £570 million and has 1,300 employees. Mr Tordoff's son John is the firm's chief executive and the third generation of Tordoffs to run the company.

He said: "Our company has never wanted to be the biggest, just the best. That is the philosophy which has run through the business."

The relocation, however, does not spell the end for the old headquarters in Sticker Lane.

The site, once home to the Tordoff family and base of the company for 50 years, is undergoing development into a showroom for Saab and Chevrolet.