A SMALL business that has been running for 83 years says family is the key to its success as it expands.

Grove-based car dealership MM Bellinger & Sons, which also has an Abingdon branch, has just broken ground on its third site at Milton Park.

The third Vauxhall dealership, due to open in August, will have a car showroom, service centre and sell more than 60 used vehicles.

The company said the groundbreaking on March 16 was the culmination of a 15-year search for a suitable new site in the Didcot area.

Director Brian Cripps said: “It is fantastic to see the building work begin following such a long search and we can’t wait for it to open.”

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The company was founded in 1932 by Henry Francis Bellinger, and his great-grandson Joe Bellinger, 27, from Ginge near Wantage, is now sales manager.

Mr Cripps said the family connection was the firm’s strongest asset by far.

The 63-year-old from Newbury said: “Families like other families and that’s how we’ve stayed in business.

“Have a look around this area at what has stayed in business for as long as we have – most are bought out or go out of business.

“People like to see the same face every time they come in – I’ve been here for 27 years.”

Henry Francis Bellinger opened his first site, Blenheim Garage, on Mill Street Wantage, opposite the Lamb pub with a converted barn housing the workshop and stores.

On the forecourt were four hand-operated petrol pumps selling Russian Oil Products (ROP) petrol at eleven-and-a-half old pence per gallon.

The founder died in 1942, and with sons away fighting in the Second World War it was left to his widow Minnie Matilda and daughter Irene to keep the business going.

After the war, her sons Les and Frank Bellinger joined the business.

In 1948 the business was incorporated as MM Bellinger & Sons Ltd after Mrs Bellinger – the first managing director.

In 1964 the family bought more land in Mill Street to establish a secondhand car display area.

They joined the Vauxhall franchise in 1970 and six years later Mike Bellinger joined his father Les.

The company moved to its present location in Station Road, Grove, in 1989, and opened their Abingdon showroom in Ock Street in 1996.

Mike Bellinger died of lymphoma in 2011 aged 59. His father Les died the following year aged 90.

The fourth generation of the family has now joined the business: Mike’s son-in-law Olly Dimbylow, 30, and son Joe both help.

On March 17, the firm received an award for customer service at its Abingdon branch from Motability, which helps disabled motorists.

Mr Cripps said: “We’re all one large family, that’s what we’ve always said, and so we work together as a team.”