Our Story - The Sturgess Timeline

Walter Edwin Sturgess was never regarded as an adventurer, having been born into a family that had deep roots in Leicester. However, he decided to emigrate to Australia during the 1880s and planned to stay there for some considerable time, maybe even permanently. But, purely by coincidence, he met a girl from Leicester there, they married, settled and had two children. The plan for fortune did not materialise so the family left Australia and headed back to England and Leicester.

In 1897, Walter established his bicycle sales and repair shop in the west end of Leicester, moving into cars at the turn of the 20th Century, as they became more widely available.

Since that time the business, still in Sturgess family ownership, has ridden the waves of history and continued to serve the local and indeed national motorist and today, still endeavours to provide quality products and services.

1897   Walter E. Sturgess establishes business in Leicester, selling Raleigh and Austral cycles

1904   Appointed agent for Rover motor cycles

1911   Purpose built premises built in Braunstone Gate, Leicester

1922   Walters son, Frank Sturgess (2nd. Generation) joins business, aged 16 years old

1947   Appointed as agents for Jaguar cars for Leicestershire & Rutland

1953   New showrooms opened in Charles Street, Leicester

1957   Franks son, Robin (3rd Generation) joins the business

1961   New premises opened on Walnut Street, Leicester for service and repair work

1971   Acquired Newton Baker Ltd., Austin Morris Wolseley MG dealers in Leicester

1972   Acquired County Garages Ltd

1975   Acquired Palmer & Ward Ltd., Austin Morris dealers in Evington, Leicester

1986   Sturgess gains Toyota franchise

1986   New premises for Jaguar and Land Rover on Almond Road, Leicester

1989   Robins son, Christopher (4th Generation) joins the business

1990   New, purpose built premises opened for Land Rover

2002   Volvo franchise awarded

2002   New purpose built premises opened for Jaguar on Narborough Road, Leicester

2003   Toyota sales franchise relinquished – Toyota after-sales retained. Nissan franchise awarded

2005   Robins younger son, Barney joins the business.

2008   Fiat franchise awarded and is sited on Aylestone Road, Leicester

2009   Alfa Romeo franchise awarded and is sited on Almond Road, Leicester

2009   Chris Sturgess becomes Chairman, with younger brother Barney taking up the post of Managing Director

2011   Tri-brand dealership is launched for Jaguar, Land Rover & Range Rover on Narbrough Road, Leicester