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Marsham Head office Sales and administration depts
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Terriers House The centralisation of accounting {which necessitated the introduction of machine book-keeping) was in operation as early as 1939. As the number of branches and the flow of invoices increased, the staff at Whitfield Street had to be augmented.
By 1951 the Accounts Department had seriously outgrown its office accommodation and re-housing was imperative. After much deliberation it was decided to move out of London and the department was transferred to Terriers, High Wycombe.
Some 700 feet above sea-level, about two miles from the centre of High Wycombe, is a house which, during its history has been known as Taroyers, Toyers or Taryers. More recently it has been known as Terriers House. Built mainly in the 17th century its architecture is in the delightful style of the period—a style embodying dignity with subtle grace. Well proportioned, as one might expect of such a period, and attended by well kept lawns and flower-beds, the house has the proud consciousness of a thoroughbred. It is still imposing and in perfect condition. It is recognised as a building of historic interest and we endeavour to preserve its character.
Pleasantly set in its own grounds amidst the lush countryside of Buckinghamshire, it is in great contrast to the crowded streets of London and we are indeed happy to have such a location for our Headquarters.
Additional office space was again imperative and a modern office block was built behind the old house. Careful siting and design preserved the appearance of Terriers House as seen by passers-by. Later an additional two storey block was built and this gave the company an opportunity to provide, for the first time, dining rooms for Directors and the Staff.
Accounts Department
Without the services of a computer our Accounts Department would be several times its present size. Nevertheless the department has grown considerably. The computer has to be fed with information and the detail which it feeds back has to be put to good use. It produces statistics and information which could hardly be obtained by the use of any other method or machine.
Architects Department
We have qualified Architects who design our new property and plan the rebuilding or extensions for existing premises.
Paint and Battery Department
We entered two new markets in 1966. Our traditional methods and approach are being applied to Transport Finishes and to Batteries. It was a logical development since the majority of our existing customers were already purchasers of these items. Our customers welcome the opportunity to enjoy Marsham Service over a wider range of goods.
We now have specialist salesmen for these items.
Printing Department
Printing of routine forms and stationery is handled by this department but an important feature is the speed with which we can meet our day-to-day requirements. Our lines of communication must be speedy and efficient. Instructions and guidance to branches can be written, printed and posted in one day when the need arises.
A photography section and photocopying service is also operated by this department.
Property Department
This department is concerned with the repair and maintenance of our properties. It also accepts the responsibility to search for new sites or more expansive buildings to permit the re-housing of existing branches.
Publicity Department
We have built up our own Publicity Department. Layouts and designs can be prepared internally including the finished art-work. We also utilise the services of an established outside agency but there is still a flow of special urgent work which is handled by our own staff.
Service Department
The growth of our special services, together with the complexities of modern vehicles and their tyre equipment, prompted us to create a technical advisory department. Liaison with tyre factories, keeping abreast of vital changes in vehicle design (when tyres are affected) are part of the duties of this department. This department maintains a flow of up-to-date information to our sales and service personnel. Our staff, when required, visit commercial user fleets to aive on-the-spot advice.
Export Department
During the late 1940's enormous quantities of surplus war stocks of tyres were released. In a world which had been starved of consumer goods a distribution problem existed.
Large stocks existed in sizes for which there was no obvious civilian use.
A problem of distribution demanding both ingenuity and technical knowledge was a challenge beyond refusal—so Marsham entered the export market. The results were as dramatic as they were successful.
Early in 1948, arising from war surplus, some 17,000 Giant tyres had to be sold. There were no wheels available in this country. French farmers, deprived of mobility due to the war, needed tyres, wheels, axles etc.
Necessity is truly the mother of invention, Marsham produced a wheel with a drilling suitable for a French hub and were able to supply the cover, tube and wheel assembly. The whole parcel was sold in a few months.
The transaction involved obtaining the order, making special finance arrangements, Export Licenses from the U.K. and Import Licenses into France. Not until those "details" had been dealt with could distribution to French farmers commence!
Even shipping the tyres created problems as one had to use any port where a suitable vessel was available and prepared to accept this type of cargo.
Our illustration shows a typical export shipment from Sharpness—destined for France.
Imports
Our experience in the export of war department surplus tyres led us to imports. Immediately after the war there was a grave shortage of Earthmover tyres in the U.K.
News reached us that some of General Montgomery's war stocks were lying in the Tura Caves, near Cairo. They became available on open tender and our bid was accepted.
Getting the tyres to this country was by no means easy due to lack of shipping space. Eventually the s.s. Memnon, a Levantine steamer, was chartered to carry the tyres. The holds were filled to capacity and the decks were somewhat more than fully laden.
Fortunately the vessel enjoyed a smooth crossing of the Bay of Biscay as otherwise the entire load would have been consigned to Davy Jones Locker for long-term storage!
Our illustrations show the s.s. Memnon passing under Tower Bridge and its safe arrival in the Pool of London. .
Pneumatics (Overseas) Limited
Sales of Government Surplus tyres are now comparatively insignificant but tyre factories throughout the world need an outlet for the disposal of obsolescent and surplus stocks.
Our Export Department, now trading as Pneumatics (Overseas) Ltd., buys and sells tyres in Europe. Africa, the U.S.A. etc. Using the experience gained during the early post-war years, this company expands steadily each year. It is a pleasure to recall that overseas customers who first traded with us many years ago are still on our list of active accounts.