History
After serving in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, Jack Gill lived and worked in Bristol, prior to returning home and working for Burgess Mill, both in Aiskew and Thornton le Dale. In 1922 he set up in business in his own right and purchased the land on which the current garage stands, from Mr William Green at Warwick House Farm in Aiskew.
Jack had three interests - gardening, people and motor vehicles. He was a very competent motor engineer, repairing and servicing whatever came along, from farm stationary engines to wagons. He built a large greenhouse at the garage and enjoyed himself with his beloved geraniums, which he cross-pollinated. He was so successful with his gardening that he helped out at the Harkness Nursery (rose fame) and also assisted Edmund and Ellen Steele, at the leading flower shows in Harrogate, London and Southport etc., helping to set up and man their trade stands.
During WW2 he benefited the local community by fixing tractors, cars etc., often without spare parts, as he was an expert at ‘make do and mend’. He also helped the Air Force crews based at Leeming, by loaning and fixing motor bikes in order to keep them mobile and amused during their off duty times. He was, of course, very mindful of their life expectancy due to his own flying experience during World War one.
Jack’s wife Annie, ran a taxi/private hire car business to supplement the garage, as Jack either charged very little or not at all!
Annie died at the young age of 44 years in 1958 from Leukaemia. Jack died in 1965 aged 71 years, leaving the land to their two sons, John and Maurice.
John and Maurice went into business together at Aiskew Garage and purchased a wagon to help provide an income. In 1968 the brothers decided amicably to go their separate ways, John with the garage and Maurice with the haulage business.
John ran the business installing fuel tanks and pumps in the garden, with help from Maurice and then wentHimself on to build the original workshop. Business continued until 1980 when, following a rallying trip to Ireland, where the Daihatsu Charade had impressed him, John became a Daihatsu dealer and built a showroom.
Alfa Romeo was the next franchise at Aiskew between 1985 and 1996, by which time Alfa had been taken over by Fiat. This was a huge disappointment, as Alfa Romeo had been very successful but Fiat was not for Aiskew.
John became aware that Jeep was going to be marketed in the UK and his friend Richard McKay was to be the Managing Director. In 1992, John Gill became the first official Chrysler Jeep dealer in the UK. Ever since, John Gill Limited has continued to represent the Chrysler Jeep brands along with the introduction of Dodge to the UK in 2005, now representing all three.
In 2007, John Gill Limited became an official workshop for Mercedes Benz passenger cars. This made sense as it fitted with the other Daimler Chrysler marques the company represented at that time with Chrysler Jeep and Mercedes Benz workshop plaqueDodge. The company’s success in achieving this coveted status required significant investment, upgrading and re-tooling the whole of the workshop and bodyshop facilities.
Gareth Frank joined the company, as our After Sales Manager, bringing with him extensive knowledge from time served within the Mercedes Benz franchise, ensuring our fully qualified technicians are always equipped to carry out any servicing, repairs or warranty work on any Mercedes Benz, regardless of age.
Today our Mercedes Benz operation has matured and is very busy with three dedicated and trained Mercedes Benz technicians to give you that personal service.
Present
Over the years, the premises at Aiskew have continued to develop and grow with the business, in order to maintain and service its loyal customer base.
There is a large Gulf petrol forecourt situated at the front of the dealership managed by Carol Gill. There are two showrooms situated behind the forecourt which carry the Chrysler Jeep and Dodge franchise, together with the newly integrated Ford operation.
John Gill Limited were proud to announce on the 10th August 2009, that they have gone “live” as a FordFord showroom retail dealer, where they now officially supply and service Ford cars from the newly refurbished showroom.(See photograph - left). Ford fits in well with the business. Historically, the company have sold and maintained specialist vehicles, but have never been able to offer locally competitively priced new A and B segment vehicles new, with the full back up of the after sales. We are proud to represent and market the UK’s number one volume brand, especially with Ford’s current extensive new model range.
We are still strong performers where Chrysler Jeep and Dodge are concerned, constantly focusing on their premium model range.
Our after sales facility is situated at the rear of the dealership with a fully authorised Bodyshop, managed by Nick Pinkney, and a 14 bay workshop, controlled by Bryan Gill,
Service Reception and Parts are headed by Gareth Frank who, together with his team, focus on achieving excellent customer service throughout the whole facility.
WorkshopJohn Gill Limited are now fully equipped to maintain, service and repair, while continuing to supply new and used Ford, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, along with specialist used Mercedes Benz.
The company also specialise in supplying used 4x4’s, and other sports and prestigious vehicles, in line with their reputation.
We hope to see you in the very near future.....
