Back when it all began Beadles made horse drawn carriages and employed three people.

Today, the company has 11 showrooms across the South East and a workforce of more than 450 people, selling Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Toyota, Land Rover and many others.

The organisation was founded back in 1893 by John Clayton Beadle, who opened his original workshop in 1880.

However, Beadles was not made a limited company until 1915 – when it was first named John C Beadles Ltd.

It’s thought the founder did this to protect his assets just before he was whisked off to serve in the First World War – as he had a wife and daughter to account for.

The original production line was in Lowfield Street, Dartford, virtually on the site where a Volkswagen showroom now stands.

As cars became more popular in the 19th century Beadles started to lead the way in production.

In 1910 the company – still not officially formed – became one of the first in the country to move into an indoor showroom.

During the shift of focus the company went on to become coach builders and even supplied parts for the forces during the Second World War, contributing to Spitfire planes and Sunderland flying boats.

As coach builders, the Beadles family grew and joined forces with Rootes, following the marriage of Mary Beadle to Reginald Rootes in the 1950s.

They were following in the footsteps of Messrs Rolls and Royce, who initially began this way in the same trade.

As the prospect of owning a car became a reality for more people, Beadles grew even more. In 1969 the group acquired premises in Main Road, Sidcup, operating a Rover franchise.

Further additions were seen in 1994 as Beadles became the name associated with Toyota in Medway, after the company bought the Brompton showroom, taking over from the Lancaster Group.

The firm has continued its expansion throughout the region, with new and used car dealerships in Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Bromley.

Since joining the organisation’s board in 1992, managing director Richard Johnson has seen Beadles grow from two sites to the 11 they have today.

The firm has enjoyed plenty of celebrations since the anniversary on Friday, May 15, including a sale on vehicles.

Each staff member has been given a gift and an extra day off work to celebrate the centenary.

Mr Johnson said: “Over the centenary weekend we sold 278 cars across the dealerships, which is a huge number.

“Even though the business was essentially founded in 1893, it wasn’t a limited company until 1915, so this is our centenary year – it feels as if this is the right time to celebrate it.”