A family-owned garage famous locally in Huddersfield has shut up shop after three decades because the landlord wants to convert the property into student flats.
Stephen Byram Motor Engineers, which was known as the ‘garage on the corner’ is now moving lock, stock and barrel to new premises in nearby Honley, where it will continue to repair and service vehicles.
If you are moving into a new building, it’s important to check that you have the right kind of motor trade insurance for your business. A combined motor trade insurance policy will also offer protection for your building, and if your staff will be driving customers’ cars, you will need a good road risks insurance too.
The garage on the corner was started by Stephen Byram and remains a real family business employing Mrs Byram, the couple’s son and daughter and Stephen’s brother-in-law. The team said that mechanic Paul Berry, who is not related, is “virtually family”.
Stephen told the Huddersfield Daily Examiner he was “a bit upset” at having to move after 30 years in the same spot.
He said: “I started here with a broken leg after an accident playing football. I used to work for The Wharf on Firth Street which has been pulled down and is now student flats.
“I started here with not even one ramp and we built it up from that. We’ve done all right, parking has been difficult and we have to work with the traffic wardens, but we’ve managed. I should be retiring but we’ve got to do it.”
The garage is well-known locally because the team of four mechanics always take a picnic table out to the front of the building to have their lunch. They have been captured for posterity online tucking into their dinner on Google Maps Streetview.
