About Us
Palm Bay was established in October 1945, by two partners Leslie Brown and Harry Tooke. Palm Bay opened offering its local community Service and Repair facilities and Taxi services, which was hugely successful given that both partners were well respected and liked within their Thanet community.
In January 1959 partners Lesley and Harry instigated bringing the Renault franchise to Palm Bay, which is the only franchise it has represented in 49 years.
20 years later in 1976, seeing Renault’s market share rise from 0.8% to 3.5%, they decided to take on a Sales Manager Ted Cox. This was mainly instigated by Renault as they could see that the business had potential but the two partners being in their late 60 and early 70’s needed help and younger blood to help Renault achieve their aspirations.
Ted had previously represented Renault at Northgate Garage in Canterbury before moving to Ewells in Canterbury to represent Mazda. Ted’s career after leaving the army in 1960 was destined for the motor trade but because of his lack of experience in selling went to Caxtons Publishing Company selling Encylopedias door-to-door, which rewarded him in being employed by Tobins in Canterbury representing BMC.
Ted was instrumental in taking Palm Bay forward from 3.5% market share to 5%, in the 23 years he remained at Palm Bay.
The Present
In 1980 one of the partners, Leslie, fell ill and offered his shares to his partner Harry who suggested to Ted that if he were in a position to buy shares then he would welcome him as a partner. In Jan of 1981 Ted became partner and co-owner of Palm Bay until 1987 when Harry suffered a stroke and decided it was time for him to retire from Palm Bay aged 76.
In July 1983 Ted brought into the business his son, Stafford, and was instrumental in making sure his son worked in every facet of the business. He started off cleaning cars in 1983, to then gaining qualifications in Mechanical repairs, Parts processes and distribution, business studies and accountancy before coming After Sales manager in 1988.
Stafford was then appointed co-Director of Palm Bay in 1990, before taking over from his father as Managing Director in November 1999 when his father retired from the business.
From 1999 Palm Bay has seen Renault’s market share rise from 5% to 12% in Thanet to where it currently achieves 10%.
Palm Bay prides itself on being part of the local community and as such supports many organisations in Thanet, including North Foreland Golf Club, Golf Pro’s Darren Parris and Rachel Adby, Palm Bay School, Thanet Swimming Club, North Foreland Pro-Ams, Roslyn Marriott-Cox Pro Tennis Coach, International Film Makers, St Georges School to name but a few….
Palm Bay is also proud of its ability in keeping staff in key positions, with Peter Docwra in Parts for 24 years, David Locke now After Sales Manager with the company now for 19 years, Kay Field Accounts Manager 13 years, Ian Hooper RTE (Renault Technical Expert) 12 years.