AUTHOR Michael Port once said: "If you can raise a family, then you can build a business." That is exactly what the Phillips family have done over 64 years with the Nortree Motor Company in Melksham.

Founded in 1952 by Trevor Phillips' brother-in-law Norman Whittaker, the independent dealer that specialises in Fords and nearly new cars, had its humble beginnings in the Market Place before moving to its current site in Beanacre Road in 1972.

From starting out as a dealership selling Ford cars, now Nortree, which is run by Mr Phillips' grandsons, Daniel, Edward and Ben, alongside parents Michael and Sally, deliver MOTs, a detailed valeting service, part exchange, finance and commercial vehicles.

"We sell nice cars to nice people and we start where others stop," said managing director Michael Phillips, the company's longest serving employee at 38 years.

"Me and my dad used to drive around the place with a trailer attached to the back of the car with a chequebook, nowadays everything is done at the click of a button or on the iPad – it is a different world.

"I have always loved what I have done, be it in parts, stores etc. The funny thing is I used to work for my dad, now I work for my boys, but that is fine by me."

Nortree does business with partners all across the UK and further afield to places like Belgium and 80 per cent of its stock is nearly new cars.

"We are doing very well now, better than we have ever been in fact," said co-director Daniel Phillips.

"We are thankful to our loyal customers for their support and even though a fair amount has changed over the years, our quality of service has not. There have been some brave decisions but it's paid off.

"Nortree is very meticulous with the type of cars we have and customer satisfaction is a top priority.

"Going forward we have plans to naturally expand in Wiltshire whilst keeping that personal touch, such as last week when we sold a Jaguar XE to a 94-year-old. He's bought 10 from us now."

The company's youngest employee and co-director, Edward Phillips, said: "I have worked here since I was 17 and I love it. I am a bit of a petrol head and I can see myself here for a long time."

Fact file:

Address: Barn Cottage, Beanacre Rd, Melksham SN12 8AU

Phone number: 01225 702230

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm

Year founded: 1952

Staff: 15