If a business has continually turned a profit for 50 years without making any redundancies then it is a sign it must be doing something right.

K&S McKenzie is a firm that can claim to have achieved just this, making it a real pleasure to reveal it as the winner of the 2022 Family Business of the Year award.

K&S McKenzie first opened their doors over 50 years ago, in 1968, in Carlisle. At the time there was a shortage of parts suppliers to the commercial vehicle market and Keith and Sara McKenzie knew it was too good an opportunity to let pass by.

Over the last 50 years the business has turned a profit every year and made no redundancies.

It is now one of the most well-respected motor factors in the North West with two premises in Carlisle; its HQ and Tool Centre store which opened in 2020.

Today the business is run by Keith and Sara’s sons – Stuart and Alastair, along with Stuart’s wife Lisa, his son Brandon (who manages the Tool Centre), and Brandon’s girlfriend, India.

Continuing in the footsteps of their parents, Stuart and Alastair are always looking for ways to innovate, grow their offering and secure their business for generations to come.

Recent developments include the launch of the business’ own range of vehicle cleaning products and the Tool Centre’s new ‘click & collect’ website which enables customers to browse Tool Centre stock and reserve items ready to collect in store.

K&S McKenzie love being a family business and are proud to be part of the fantastic network of family businesses across the UK. They know that this network is made up of dedicated, hard-working members, all of whom deserve great success and recognition.

Fittingly, Stuart, Alastair, Brandon, India and Lisa all took to the stage to collect the award. Stuart said the company prided itself of doing things a little bit differently. “We try to change with the times and look for the next new item,” he said

Runners up:

Grasmere Gingerbread

Telford Automobiles