G K GROUP

The roots of GK Group go back over a hundred and twenty years to 1878 when Frank Kenning opened a hardware business in Clay Cross selling all sorts of goods, including kerosene, candles and petroleum products which resulted in a natural progression into the motor trade. Frank Kenning originally opened a hardware business at Clay Cross as this turn of the century picture shows Frank's son, (laterly Sir) George Kenning followed his father as head of the business and was quick to develop opportunities presented by the new motor trade. He gained the Ford franchise for Frank Kenning and Sons in 1915 and this was followed later with extensive distribution rights for Morris Cars. One of Sir George's biggest deals was in 1927 when for £62, 925 he bought the entire Morris factory production. In 1938 Kennings Limited became a public company and through subsequent acquisitions gradually gained franchises for Austin, Morris, MG, Standard, Triumph, Rover and Daimler cars.