John Brown Wheels to roll back to Warwick home after 40 years

John Brown Wheels is moving back to Wedgnock Lane in Warwick after being away for more than four decades, after agents Wareing & Company struck a property deal.

Founded in Coventry in 1972, the firm, which designs replicas of alloy wheels for a range of vehicles, was founded by the late Jonathan Brown and his brother Chris, who used to store wheels in their bedroom and tell customers to call a telephone box between 6 and 8pm for enquiries.

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After being loaned £100 from their mother, they eventually opened 16 branches around the UK and based the company in Wedgnock Lane in the 70s and 80s.

And during a visit to Warwick, Chris noticed that Taylor Group House was up for sale through Wareing & Company and called the agents soon after.

"When I saw Taylor Group House was up for sale, I thought it was fate," he said.

"Our premises in Stockton was becoming a little tired and we were in need of a new place to call home. But I never thought we might be able to move back to our old place in Warwick.

"I was initially told the premises had just been sold, which was a real shame. But a couple of months later, Jonathan Blood at Wareing called me back to ask if I was still interested as the original deal had fallen through.

"I said I was and we quickly arranged a viewing. Seeing the building again on our first viewing brought back a lot of memories - not only of our success there, but of my brother too. The decision to come back just felt right."

The company is now fitting out the 22,224 sq ft Taylor Group House and transferring its inventory over, with a planned opening date in the new year.

It is also hopeful of hiring new staff once the company moves in.

Chris said demand has generally been good in wholesale and export and that the business was hopeful the retail side was "picking up too".

"And Warwick is a busy town - the Wedgnock Industrial Estate is full of useful suppliers for us and we expect business will move more quickly once we’re moved in."

Jonathan Blood, director at Wareing & Company, added: "The business landscape at Wedgnock Industrial Estate was a clear draw for Chris, but the personal connection to Taylor Group House made it particularly appealing.

"We’re delighted to have made this deal happen for Chris and John Brown Wheels, and we hope their return to Warwick brings them great success