Couple’s dedication is driving force behind 10 years in business together

A Thatcham-based vehicle repair business is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Newbury 4X4 Centre celebrated achieving 10 years under the ownership of couple Debbie and Jason Goddard.

Mr Goddard joined the company – which was first established in 1981 – as an apprentice in 1985 but left for a brief period before retuning and buying the business in 2013 from his retiring boss.

The couple – who are also celebrating 25 years of marriage this year – celebrated their business achievement on Saturday (June 10) with customers and members of the public.

During the day the couple opened the doors of their store on Pipers Way, had Land Rovers open for viewing and held a raffle – raising £500 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

They were grateful to Martin Dieppe from car part supplier Britpart Ltd and Jardine Reading Parts Department, for donating raffle prizes.

The company also thanked Siobhan Wood from Crumbs & Corks for organising food for the event.

Mrs Goddard said: “We came to Thatcham from Newbury five years ago and built it up.

“We have got some really loyal customers; we have local people and then we get people who come from further afield.

“We have a customer who moved to France and he comes back to us annually and some people who moved to the Isle of Wight who still come and see us.

“Covid was tough and it took us two or three years to get back on track.

“But we have survived at the end of the day and we are still here, which is amazing.”