SECOND WAVE AT CHANNEL
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When, in December 2006, the second wave of managers took over the reins of Channel Commercials from founders Ron Stupple and Tony Chudleigh, they were doubtless seen as the younger generation. Yet between them, six of the seven original MBO partners have racked up 120 years of service at the Kent-based DAF main dealer. The current team consists of: fleet sales director Russell Ades now in his 23rd year at the company; Paul Taylor retail sales director (17 years); service director John Stupple (23 years); Clive Ayears parts director (19 years); Paul Elliott, service director (15 years); and MD Mike MacIntyre with 23 years. Damian Chudleigh, the seventh original MBO partner, has since moved on to pastures new.
Along with its main site at Ashford, Channel runs three satellite operations at Aylesham, Strood and Sevenoaks, which has just opened an Authorised Testing Facility. Alongside its main sales and service activity, Ashford also has its own HGV/ PSV paint shop, accident repair centre and sign-writing/decal business as well as a dedicated engineering division offering pet-reg conversions, PT-O fitment, chassis modifications and body swaps. It is also home to Channel’s growing train rollingstock maintenance business.