We use cookies to track usage and preferences.I Understand HOME ABOUT US SERVICES NEWS CONTACTS VACANCIES CUSTOMER PORTAL HISTORY BEHIND GKL THROUGHOUT THE YEARS WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL HIGHLIGHTS THAT WE WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU. TAKE A LOOK AT THE TIMELINE BELOW TO SEE HOW OUR COMPANY STARTED AND EVOLVED INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY. 1878 - Frank Kenning runs hardware store 1926 - First Dealership under George (Son of Frank) Later Sir George The first dealership was Ford vehicles in Chesterfield under George, (George Kenning Ltd) who would later become Sir George Kenning. 1944 - Kenning's in the War Years 1950 - George Kenning (Son) becomes MD, develops The Kenning Motor Group Expands to 300 Depots Nationwide including car dealerships, hire depots, tyre services. The company was the nation’s largest independent tyre supplier, parts wholesaler and petrol retailer. Electric milk float manufacturers and depots were even in France and Zimbabwe. 1960 The HQ in Chesterfield of the Kenning Motor Group. It had 8,000 employees worldwide. 1966 KMG built a Motorway services on the M5 at Strensham. KMG also built another after on the M62 at Anderton, which was opened by Her Majesty the Queen. 1978 - Kennings 100 Aniversary Kennings 100 Aniversary At this time the company was a household name and the entire business focus was on maintaining and enhancing the trust in that name. A huge event was held at the company’s offices in Chesterfield with over 1,000 guests, mainly customers and suppliers. In addition to noting that every member of staff present had the brief of ensuring the wellbeing of specified guests, so that 100% of guests were covered, our current MD, grandson of Sir George, remembers his father saying in a speech “My father always taught me that the best capital a man can hand to his son is a good name.” At the time he thought it a poor substitute for cash, but after so many years of running a business, he now realises that this was indeed true. 1986/7 - Kennings is taken over and GK Group born Kennings are taken over as family management had died and their shareholdings by that time represented a tiny percentage. Later George, David, Andrew and Richard Kenning purchase George Kenning Ltd and create GK Group and Ford dealerships in Chesterfield developed. 1986/7 - GK Group moves South to Chesham A few months earlier Richard Kenning, after consulting for a western motor company, moves South and purchases the company which owned the Ford dealerships at Chesham and Amersham, the assets and liabilities, for a pound, later merged into GK Group. 1987 - Leasing and rental commenced within GK Group GKL Leasing, Car and Van Rental are started as ancillary businesses. 1994 - GK Group builds High Wycombe dealership GK Group set up a brand new dealership in High Wycombe, with a new building and car and van centre. 1995 - GKL Leasing moved into the Chapel building in Chesterfield GKL offices in an Old Chapel in Chesterfield 1997 - GKL Leasing demerged from GK Group After 10 very successful years, the directors of GK Group agree that demerger of leasing business would be the way forward and URA Ventures Ltd was formed by Richard Kenning to take on GKL Leasing and at the same time the Southern GK group premises were sold. 2000 - Car Net of Beaconsfield Car Net of 1999 was purchased in 2000 by GKL and used to re-market lease cars and also sell used cars in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire and surrounding area. 2000 - GKL moves into the Tyre remould factory Where the main building had been knocked down in Chesterfield, In 2006 this office was to flood when the tiny river Hipper burst its banks and staff were rescued by “punt”. 2002 - Forge Garage purchased and GKL Direct born GKL Direct Forge garage near Aylesbury purchased by GKL and used to concentrate on re-marketing of the leasing fleet as well as service to retail customers and prep Flexi-Hire and rental vehicles. 2005 -Bryan Brothers and Westward Leasing Ltd An established joint venture with Bryan Brothers in Bristol called Westward Leasing Ltd covering the south-west was relinquished in 2005 and became Westward Leasing trading as URA Ventures with an office in Bristol to serve customers in the southwest. 2007 - GKL Expansion to Luton Branch 2007 was the creation of a new branch of GKL Leasing in the Luton area covering the East Midlands. 2008 - GKL Moves to Custom Built premises in Chesterfield GKL move into new offices at the bridge business centre with custom design and substantial parking with added facilities. 2016 - New Premises South! At present heads of terms are agreed and final negotiations taking place over a brand new development from the southern operations at Princes Risborough. This is in conjunction with the ever-expanding fleet. 2017 - GKL Develops and Builds Own Customer Fleet Management Portal GKL has a bespoke fleet management system for customers with ongoing development and investment (including Mileage Capture and Roadworthiness Checking) 2018 - GKL moves to Princes Risborough GKL moved into our Southern operations new offices in Princes Risborough at Kites Park. From there we have a fantastic new office facility where GKL occupy the 1st floor and have space to operate and expand. We also run our vehicle preparations from there and have three garage workshop bays and 2 covered valeting bays and one external valeting bay. Charging – we also have two Tesla chargers and 2 x 22kW chargers for electric vehicles On the roof we have solar panels with 90 solar panels connected to the building and power infrastructure 2019 - GKL merge with Windsor Vehicle Leasing We are exceptionally pleased to announce that as of January 3rd 2019, GKL Leasing has merged with Windsor Vehicle Leasing Ltd. Overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who authorise both companies in respect of regulated activities, the merger takes the form of GKL (URA Ventures Ltd trading as GKL) acquiring 100% of the shares in Windsor Vehicle Leasing Ltd. With both companies already having exceptional reputations for customer service, it is our aim to continue: Ensuring that the experience that Windsor Vehicle Leasing and GKL Leasing customers receive from all staff continues to be second to none, whilst still maintaining relationships with each organisation Reviewing the processes and best practices of both businesses, and keeping those that are going to help continue the above Improving and developing key working relationships with leading manufacturers and other suppliers Achieving efficiencies that can be completing without impacting on the high levels of customer service 2020 - GKL continues to grow GKL continue to increase sales/fleet and develop more emphasis in GKL Electric with Electric and Plug-in Hybird vehicles being a core growth area of the company Final thoughts It is widely acclaimed Sir George Kenning, the Managing Director’s grandfather, was the originator of contract hire a century ago. Sir George used to lease bicycles for Shell Oil’s commercial needs and horses to BP, to pull tank wagons. GKL fully understand the leasing industry, offering unrivalled expertise in this area with a long history of dedicated, loyal and enthusiastic staff, synonymous with the Kenning Motor Group’s past. CALL US 01246 572180 EMAIL US GET IN TOUCH GET A QUOTE CLICK HERE CALL BACK CLICK HERE CONTACT US GKL Leasing GKL Car Rental Conversions Westward Leasing GKL Direct Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions Email Us sales@gkluk.com Call Us Tel: 01246 572180 GKL Leasing Centenary House 32 The Bridge Business Centre Beresford Way Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 9FG Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube URA Ventures Limited (Trading as GKL Leasing, Westward Leasing, GKL Direct, GKL Car and Van Rental) Registered in England and Wales with registered number: 03321083 Registered office: Centenary House, Bridge Business Centre, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9FG GKL Leasing is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 314956 for credit-related regulated activities and also for insurance mediation. Vat Number GB 690302944 © Company 2021