Company History

The journey started at the International Motor Show in London where the founders met the Commercial Vehicle Manager at the time, Peter Yates. This meeting developed into the company being awarded the franchise in Kent. Premises were found in Sittingbourne, Kent and business started in December 1974. The first customer was CRG Plant of Whitstable who purchased a 206D Chassis cab and a 2419 six-wheeled tipper.

As the business grew, the company soon had to borrow a 30,000sq ft warehouse just to store vehicles awaiting delivery. Business was continually growing and more space was added to the building.

A new computer system was installed and even more growth meant the launch of Britain’s first 24-hour workshop – meaning vehicles could be serviced while their drivers slept.

Further expansion came with the opening of a second depot at Ashford, and then a third at Dartford.

With the acquisition of Kent and Sussex Trucks in 2006 and the name changed to Sparshatts of Kent. The Sparshatt brand grew across Kent and another site opening in Tonbridge.

A new era dawns, Sparshatts of Kent has new owners – major shareholders in the new business are Paul Rooney (our long-serving former Truck Sales Manager) and his brother Steve Rooney. Also, Financial Director Peter Davies, who has worked closely with Steve and Paul for the last ten years and Chairman Sid Sadique who is the Group MD of NRG Fleet Services and Riverside Truck Rental, and a high-profile figure in the transport industry as well.

The new company name is Sparshatt Truck & Van – a fresh new brand was introduced.

New branding was introduced and the business grew from strength-to-strength, even through the Covid-19 pandemic.