Company History
Few firms can claim such a long and proud tradition in the motor trade as Visick Cars. Its first incarnation was as the Grove Eastbourne Motor Works and Garage Ltd, founded in 1907 by Robert James - Great Grandfather of the present owner Stephen Visick. It operated as an agent for Singer cars and sold such makes as Brook, Deemster and Star. Additionally, it carried out repairs, supplied petrol and did taxi work on the site now occupied by the police staton.
After the First World War, Mr James was joined by his son Egbert and daughter Doreen - later to become Mrs Hedley Visick. In 1926 they moved into purpose built premises in Cornfield Road - the building now better known as Weatherspoons Pub. A new company, Cornfield Garage Ltd, was born. Doreen James became company secretary - a position she held untill it closed in 1976. During the 1930s, Cornfield Garage continued to prosper and expanded its site. Several new car franchises were held and the company developed a reputation for quality and service.
In 1956, David Visick, Stephen's father, joined as service manager. Egbert James had taken over as managing director on the death of his father in 1952, continuing untill his own death in 1972. David's brother Owen joined the company from the electrical industry as general manager and the sales side of the business was developed to include franchises for Citroen, Lancia and Lotus. Sadly, it was necessary to sell the premises in 1976 to cover death duties.
The brothers continued their service and repair activities trading as Visick Cars Ltd, moving first to Meads Street then to Birch Close in 1984. At this time Stephen joined as service manager. David retired from the business in 1999 followed by Owen in 2002, leaving Stephen to continue as Managing Director. At this time Service Manager Bill Turner and Accountant Liz Walke were appointed directors.
In 2004 the company moved to its present location in Lottbridge Drove, a larger more customer-friendly site. These premises have a spacious state-of-the-art workshop, modern offices and a large customer reception and waiting area. This combined with the competent and loyal team of technicians ensure that for a fourth generation the company continues to uphold the reputation developed by Stephen's Great Grandfather a century ago.