FM Conway - Going the Extra Mile

Chapter 3 A New Start

I was beginning to understand a little bit about getting the value out of my assets. And I was going to need every penny I could lay my hands on.

beginning to understand a little bit about getting the value out of my assets. And I was going to need every penny I could lay my hands on: the new headquarters was going to require a sizeable mortgage. With the architect’s plans, I applied for planning permission to develop the site. And then I found the place I was looking for in Oakfield Road in Anerley. It was a purpose built workshop, office, and yard that belonged to Ancaster Garages, which was run by a man called George Cole. (Jack Basch and I referred to him privately as ‘Arthur Daley’). He gave me a really hard time over the deal; we just couldn’t agree terms. It was my first freehold purchase, so I was more than a little nervous. But I was lucky to have Jack Basch to advise on the financial side, and a recent friend, Ron Woodland, to help on the legal

Oakfield Road: our first proper headquarters. Investment in property has been as important to the company as investment in plant. Like any growing thing, a business needs space to grow into.

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