One of Enniskillen’s most prominent businesses has announced plans to close its doors this summer after almost 90 years trading in the county.
TP Topping Ltd, an established car dealership on the Dublin Road, will now begin to wind down in preparation for closure at the end of June.
Business directors Peter Little and Ronald Hurst conceded that the decision was not an easy one to make, with both men remarking that it was especially difficult to inform their loyal staff of the decision.
Speaking to the Herald Mr Little reflected on his family’s time in business in Enniskillen. He explained, “The business started in 1931. My grandfather formed it along with TP Topping. It’s been on the same site continuously since then.
“We’ve had lots of high points over the years. Motor sales is the type of business that you wouldn’t be in unless you liked it. The complications of running any business don’t get any easier and you get to an age where you think you’ve done enough.”
Mr Little added that around three years ago he had taken steps toward retirement and now fellow business director Ronald Hurst has decided to do the same.
Mr Little explained that in the last three years the business had been downsized. “Basically we have come to the stage of natural conclusion,” he said.
“My next generation have pursued successful careers in other directions so now is the right time for both Ronald and myself to finish.”
“We have very loyal employees, with a number having worked nowhere else during their lives. They joined us right from school and have been there over 40 years.”
In the coming months he explained that there will be a retirement sale of the existing stock of vehicles. “As for the work shop we will continue with the service there until we close. We plan to close at the end of June.”
Mr Hurst paid tribute to the committed workforce and all loyal customers of the business, “Many of them are friends who had done business with the firm over several generations,” he said.
It is the intention of the directors once the business is closed to place the highly prominent property on the Dublin Road on the market towards the end of the year.
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