Boss of Gosport electrical business Electro-Trade hangs up his shop keys after 40 years in charge

Henry, 79, has retired from Electro-Trade in North Cross Street, Gosport – passing the business on to long-standing employee Damian Brundish.

Henry started the business in 1977 after leaving the Royal Navy. Originally from north Wales, he came to Portsmouth with his military career.

Over the years, the charismatic businessman has opened and closed several shops in Fareham, Portchester and Havant – but says he always treasured his Gosport shop.

Henry said: ‘I have decided to call it a day. It is a relief in some ways. Over the years I have enjoyed it, otherwise I would not still be here but it is a pleasure to hand it over to Damian.

‘I want to say a very big thank you to everyone for their support. Gosport is a wonderful place and it is the best place to have a shop.’

Henry said he has seen major challenges over the years with changes in technology coming in, bringing new products and new ways to sell, as well as competition from big out of town retailers.

His shop has had a huge influence on his life, with him meeting his wife Maggie when she worked in the shop next door.

It has also brought times of worry and stress, not just dealing with the restrictions placed on trading due to coronavirus this year.

In the 1980s, a blaze took hold at his Fareham shop and he was subsequently arrested and investigated on suspicion of arson, although eventually cleared, it was a time of huge stress.

Henry said: ‘It was a huge arson attack. It cost me £78,000 and it took me eight years to recover. It nearly wiped me out. There has been a lot of stress in business over the years.’

SEE ALSO: Future of Gosport's market put to residents in online survey

Henry is now looking forward to some well-earned relaxation and to seeing his family – five children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren – more as well as gardening at his home in Bishopstoke and travelling to visit relatives in New Zealand.

Damian, who started at the shop as an apprentice aged just 17, will continue to run Electro-Trade.

Henry said: ‘Damian has been a loyal member of staff for more than 20 years. Loyalty deserves loyalty.’

Damian, from Grange Crescent, said: ‘This shop has changed my life. It was our family treat to come here as children, it was full of the components that I wanted. It is an honour to continue its tradition.’

As well as electrical equipment and hardware, Electro-Trade stocks a range of electrical appliances including cookers, washing machines, refrigeration including new and refurbished appliances to suit all budgets. It also offers a free delivery and removal service, as well as repairs.

Want to read more stories about Gosport? Join our Gosport News Facebook group to get the latest updates from the town.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.