Patrick Motors - History

History

PMG is still a family run business with a history in the Midlands stretching back well over 100 years. In 1889, Joseph A Patrick moved to the city from Hull. He came to pursue his business career with Britannic Assurance Company, and later became its Chairman.

However, it was his son, Albert (the great-grandfather of the present Chairman) who was to start the PMG ball rolling. In 1930 he purchased a prime site on the Bristol Road, Selly Oak, known as Edgbaston Garages Ltd.

Albert Patrick was an astute businessman who realised the previous year’s disastrous stock market crash meant that the prospective stockbroking career of his son, Joseph, was less than secure.

With typical foresight, he saw a future in the burgeoning motor car industry. The decision, coupled with his son’s interest in the subject, was a happy one. Joseph soon took over the day-to-day running of the business, and was quickly joined by two brothers whose name – Jensen – has a place in motoring history.

This association was short-lived however, and the following year the company became known as Patrick Motors Limited. The company fast gained a reputation as a leading specialist coach builder, producing the distinctive Patrick Specials at affordable prices.

At the same time, Joseph Patrick was enjoying considerable success in the field of motor sport, driving Patrick Specials in trials, hill climbs and at Brooklands.

The coach building business prospered until the mid-thirties when it was threatened by the increasing efficiency of the big manufacturers. Good business sense indicated a switch to developing the sales and service facilities at the sites of Bristol Road, in the city centre, and out of town at Olton.

Immediately after the war when cars were difficult to obtain for the home market and ex-RAF pilots were looking for jobs, Patrick Aviation was formed.

The first daily scheduled service from Elmdon to the Channel Islands was established, and the Patrick fleet carried Midlands made goods to destinations throughout Europe.

Patrick Aviation ceased flying in 1953 when the scheduled routes were taken over by British European Airways. Following this the group expanded its motor business activities.

The company became known as PMG - Patrick Motors Group - signifying the broad range of the companies interests.

PMG owned the prestigious Jaguar and Daimler dealers of Reeve and Stedeford in Solihull as well as Spink of Bournemouth and Westover Motors. Over the years associations continued with PMG retailing many marques at different locations. These marques covered manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Subaru, Isuzu, Peugeot/Talbot, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and primarily Austin Rover.

Joseph Patrick died in 1982 and a short time later it was decided to make a gradual withdrawal from the motor trade due to the increasingly excessive demands of the manufacturers. A phased approach was adopted and the last retail location for PMG, Mercedes-Benz dealership Patrick Solihull, was sold in 1999. Since then, PMG has concentrated on the property element of the business.

Alexander Patrick, joined the company in 1962, taking the family to the third generation. Alexander was a driving force for the business and oversaw the unsuccessful ventures such as The Patrick Motor Museum, The Lombard Room Restaurant and The Norton Place Hotel as well as the consolidation within the motor trade. During this period Alexander also maintained the property portfolio within PMG and devoted much time to The Patrick Trust.

The Patrick Trust, a charitable trust, provides grants to other local charities mainly involved in care of the young and elderly, but also with an eye on the arts, combining these where possible. Although The Patrick Trust focuses on the Midlands, consideration is given to all locations and appeal types.

Like his father who was a founder, Alexander has also been heavily involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Charity in the UK and has ensured a substantial amount of funding has been made available to assist in research.

Today the company is known as PMG Investments Ltd and concentrates on the wide-ranging property portfolio in the Midlands. Julian Pritchard, Alexander’s nephew and Joseph’s grandson, continues the family tradition and as current Chairman is responsible for the day-to-day running of PMG. Julian is also involved with local charities and is a committee member of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.