End of the road after 42 years for car salesman

EXPERIENCED car salesman Stephen Eyre has hung up his company tie after 42 years with the same dealer group — ending his family’s 100-year run in car sales.

A familiar face on the forecourt of Rotherham’s Perrys dealership, Stephen (63) hopes to travel the world after retiring from the industry into which he followed his father and grandfather.

The retail operator started out as a trainee sales executive back in 1973, working his way through the ranks at Perrys dealerships in Huddersfield, Doncaster, Gainsborough and Dewsbury before making the move to the Vauxhall and Kia franchise at Parkgate, Rotherham.

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He said: "I've really enjoyed my time here at the dealership. I can't believe I've been working here for more than 40 years.

"Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be in the motor industry, particularly as both my grandfather and father worked in the business.

“In particular, I'm so glad I have spent my time with Perrys as it really is an excellent company to work for, they have such high standards and really do put the customer first.

"After working for such a long time, I'm definitely looking forward to retiring, it's about time I hand it all over to someone younger.

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“I can't wait to spend some more time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and I hope I can eventually tour the world, which is something I've wanted to do for many years.  

"I'd like to thank the team for putting up for me all this years. I'll definitely miss them all."

As a mark of his retirement and long standing service, Stephen was presented with many sentimental gifts from both the Perrys board and staff from the Rotherham dealership.

Perrys managing director, Darren Ardron, said: "We are very proud to have had Stephen work here, especially for so long. He will be greatly missed. We wish him the best of luck and hope he enjoys finally putting his feet up."