After working for Goodyear Tyre GB and Avon Tyres Ken Clarke, with the help of his wife Jean, opened the Motorist Shop in Horbury in the late 60’s.
In the early 70’s the business, along with a good size customer base relocated to Ossett. The shop thrived and began to diversify into new areas of the motoring trade – the significant one being tyres – especially the Radial tyre, which had just been introduced to the industry. Realising there was a new market potential Ken opened a small garage offering “Tyre Service” under the name of “Ossett Tyre House”.
During the 70’s the tyre industry grew with the introduction of the “Radial Truck Tyre”. Ossett Tyre House also grew into offering “On Site Service” along with tyre vulcanising for companies within the Mining Industry and the Council.
By 1974 Ken Clarke LTD was formerly incorporated and Ossett Tyre House was opened on the site where it still stands today- right in the centre of Ossett.
1978 saw Barry Pitchford join the company…. And he’s still here all those years on!
The 80’s brought significant changes within the company. A purpose-built M.O.T Testing station was erected on the site.
In 1981 Reg Greenwood (Tyres & Exhausts) LTD was brought into the fold.
In 1982 Alison, Ken and Jeans daughter came into the company after working for the TSB bank in Ossett for a few years, gaining the financial experience to run the accounts department. 3 years later, Stuart (Ken and Jeans son) came into the company having gained his experience within the tyre market, more so in the Industrial and Commercial side
1995 saw the start of the site renovations both at Ossett Tyre House and Reg Greenwood (Tyres and Exhausts) LTD. Both sites were redeveloped to break away from the stereotypical “back street” look. It was also done to bring the sites up to date with new facilities such as customer waiting room, wash rooms, new offices and more work bays. Further developments have taken place since such as the addition of 2 new Van Servicing bays in 2011 and most recently the Spray Booth in 2017.
In 2013 Jake came into the business after university becoming the third generation of the family at Ossett Tyre House.
Today Ossett Tyre House does a lot more than the name suggests. As the automotive industry has progressed and demand for new services has grown, so have we. We now carry out a wide range of services such as Bodywork, Diagnostics and Auto Electrical Products in order to be the “One Stop Shop” for our customers.
