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Explore the history of Frank G.Gates Limited – with more than 100 years of heritage in the Motor Industry

 20’s Having initially started his business in 1918, Frank G.Gates was appointed as one of the first Ford Authorised Dealers at 140-142 High Road, South Woodford.
1925 Frank G.Gates Ltd soon expanded and the business moved to new, larger and purpose built premises at what became known as “Gates Corner” on the High Road in South Woodford.
30’s In 1937, Frank Gates’ son Edward joined the business, to be followed afterwards by his cousin, Bryan. Both Edward and Bryan completed their apprenticeships with the company and after a period of further training, joined the Board of Directors.
40’s As Britain found itself at War once again, Gates Corner was requisitioned, converted into a meat store and the rear workshops used as an Auxiliary Fire Service Station. All garage activities were now transferred to premises which by that time had been acquired in Chigwell Road. The company operated through here until peace came once more to Europe some six years later. Slowly, despite rationing and shortages, business started to return to normal. Many Gates’ staff who had served with The Forces, returned to their normal jobs and life in the grey 40’s gave way to the promise of the 1950’s.
50’s The first major growth of Gates began with the acquisition of Gates of Walthamstow in 1957. The following year saw the opening of a purpose-built Parts and Service Centre at 128 High Road, South Woodford.
1959 The company was launched onto the London Stock exchange and becoming Frank G. Gates PLC, built new premises in the rapidly developing Harlow New Town.

60's

 1960 Gates acquire Bennett’s Motor Works Ltd, an existing Ford Main dealer with premises in Letchworth Garden City, and an agricultural business in nearby Baldock. Gates of Letchworth and Gates of Baldock Tractors subsequently began trading.
1962 1962 was an important year in Gates’ history as it was at this time that the company first moved into Epping with the opening of the Half Moon Garage on the High Street.
1968 Celebrity Jack Warner, best known for Dixon of Dock Green fame, was in town as he officially launched the newly developed Gates of Harlow.
1969 New locations at Gates of Bishop’s Stortford and Gates of Hitchin were opened.
70’s Gates celebrate their Golden Jubilee.
80’s In 1980, Gates took over premises in Waltham Abbey and after substantial refurbishment, the company’s Commercial Vehicle Operations were based here (Gates Trucks – Waltham Abbey).

90's

 1993 Gates of Bishop’s Stortford re-located to larger premises on Stansted Road.
1995 Although a Plc, the shareholding remained substantially owned by the Gates family, but due to the natural expansion of the family, there had become a desire to return to private ownership. At the end of 1995, the company was privatised and a number of premises were sold to facilitate the process.
1996 Gates locations were now located at Harlow, Epping and Bishop’s Stortford, with plans to expand following the reorganisation.
1997 Now completely privately owned, Frank G. Gates Ltd acquired the Ford Main Dealership in Hertford. This dealership was then re-developed with all new premises during 2001.
00’s A new millennium begins with a new dealership acquisition as Frank G Gates Ltd open Gates of Waltham Cross.
2003 Following the acquisition of the Ford Dealership at Stevenage in 2002, which also involved the re-purchase of their Letchworth dealership, development began on a new, state of the art, purpose-built FordStore™ and Transit Centre on Arlington Business Park, Stevenage.

10's

 2015 Following a further acquisition of Ford Dealership at St.Albans at the end of 2015 these premises were subject of refurbishment and upgraded to the FordStore™ and Transit Centre standards.
2016 Major redevelopment work to build a multi-million-pound FordStore™ and Transit Centre at Gates of Harlow. The project involved demolition of the existing dealership with a complete rebuild – the dealership meanwhile continued trading from temporary facilities.
2018 Gates announce the acquisition of dealerships in Enfield, Potters Bar, Walthamstow and significantly in Woodford Green. This was to mark a return to the area where it all began almost 100 years ago.
2019 Jack Greenall joins the management team at Gates representing the sixth generation to contribute to their own family business dynasty.
20’s 2020 marked Gates’ Centenary - a year celebrating 100 years of excellence. Throughout the year, the business continued to adapt and innovate, serving customers and marking a century of outstanding service.
2023 In 2023, Gates returned to Waltham Cross relocating from leased premises in Enfield to freehold premises at Eleanor Crossroads in Waltham Cross. Once the dealership had transferred, facilities were immediately expanded to include a brand-new Transit Centre. Redevelopment work also took place to extend the showroom.

2025

 2015 Following a further acquisition at the end of 2015, we gained our St Albans dealership, which was refurbished and upgraded to Gates standards.
2016 Major redevelopment work was undertaken to build a multi-million-pound dealership and Transit Centre at Gates of Harlow. The project involved the demolition of the existing dealership and a complete rebuild; meanwhile, the dealership continued trading from temporary facilities.
2018 Ford unveil their plans for Hybrid and Electric vehicles in Europe announcing 15 new hybrid and all-electric vehicles across the entire line-up. Meanwhile, plans and investments are well underway to ensure that all locations are fully equipped to support vehicle electrification.
2026 Gates Leapmotor Braintree opened, marking an exciting step forward. The business continues to grow, with further expansion and innovative developments on the horizon.