The extensive John W Groombridge Motorcycles site at Cross-in-Hand, which has been a landmark on the Eastbourne to Tunbridge Wells Road since 1951, ceased trading on 28 September after 73 years in business.
Long-time employee Keith O’Regan, who purchased the business from Clive and Keith Walton in August 2020, said: “I know many people are shocked and saddened by the news, none more than myself and the fantastic team that has worked tirelessly alongside me since I took ownership four years ago. It’s not been an easy decision to reach, but due to continuously rising costs, pressure within the industry, reduced profits, and the current economic climate, the business has become non-viable.
“Over the last 13 years at JWG, I have met lots of amazing people, many of whom have become friends and I would like to thank all those who have contacted me and the team for their kind words and support during this difficult time.
“I would also like to thank our many customers, and, of course, all those who have worked for the company and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Groombridge celebrated 60 years as a Suzuki dealer earlier this year. Dealer principal Keith O’Regan and his wife Tracy were presented with a long service award at this year’s Suzuki dealer conference.
When Clive and Keith Walton took over the business in 2006, they transformed the site into a one-stop destination for bike enthusiasts, at the same time maintaining a small business personal touch.
In 2009, a two-story building was opened to house a new Suzuki showroom and workshop along with a large clothing and helmet showroom. Developments continued when Groombridge got the Kawasaki franchise in 2010. At that time, the new Kawasaki showroom was the only one in East Sussex and also served West Kent. Other developments included remodelling the original building into a modern MOT test station, adding a tyre fitting bay and installing another state-of-the-art workshop.
In 2015, a new two-story showroom was added to the front of the original building. It provided maximum visibility in both directions from the road, with the ground floor given over to Kawasaki with service reception area and Royal Enfield showroom.
Former owner of John Groombridge Motorcycles Clive Walton, who died in 2022, had a career in the motor trade spanning more than 40 years, during which time he worked with his brother Keith. From 1979 to 1988, they ran a motorcycle business in Hailsham Road, Heathfield, Sussex, before moving into the car business. In 2006, they acquired the Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Royal Enfield dealership from the Groombridge family, and under their management, the business saw significant growth in turnover. Clive played a key role in remodelling and updating the business, establishing it as a prominent multi-franchise dealership in the South East. In 2020, Keith and Clive retired, and the business was successfully transitioned to long-term employee Keith O’Regan.