YORKSHIRE’S largest family business is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the sale of over a million vehicles.

Since being founded as Brooklands Garage on Sticker Lane, Bradford, in 1946, JCT600 estimates that it has sold over one million new and used vehicles and, yesterday, the Yorkshire automotive retailer celebrated 75 years in business.

With a turnover in excess of £1.3 billion, JCT600 represents 25 of the world’s leading car marques and has grown into the region’s largest privately owned business. It is still owned and managed by the Tordoff family with nine members of the family currently working for the company. Chief executive John Tordoff continues to lead the 2,300-strong team, making it one of the largest employers in the region with the business having been named among the Sunday Times’ ‘best companies to work for’.

To mark the milestone, JCT600 last week shared a light-hearted short film film on its social media channels which looks back at where the company started as well as looking forwards to what happens next. The business also invited customers, suppliers and colleagues to share birthday messages on social media with the hashtag #JCT600is75 and has also ready received hundreds of good wishes.

John Tordoff, chief executive of JCT600, said: “Our 75th birthday is another huge moment for JCT600, and we’d like to take the great opportunity to thank everyone we work with, our loyal customers, colleagues and partners, for their continued support.

“We’ve seen some massive changes in the motor industry since 1946 when we sold our first vehicle, a Jowett van for £175, and we’ve faced many challenges along the way."