History of Kelly's

Kelly’s was founded in 1937 in Guildford, Surrey. The original owner, Mr Kelly was contracted by a local furniture retailer to distribute new home furnishings to their customers. He was very good at this work and the relationship lasted many years. Eventually Mr Kelly sold his firm to his customer, the furniture retailer which was owned by the Martin family. The 3rd generation members of the Martin family are involved in running the business today but now with a much expanded service offering.

Things have moved on quite dramatically over the years, the original values of customer service are still maintained but now within a high tech, sophisticated operational environment.

An extract, found in a 1959 commercial publication about Guildford, reads as follows:  "The general carrier business of L. W. & P. C. Kelly was purchased by Mr. W. Kelly.  It was a one-vehicle business, the driver being Mr. L. W. Kelly; this continued until he was called up in 1940.  On his return in 1946 the business was restarted and Mr. P. C. Kelly joined the business.  An additional vehicle was bought it 1947, and the more recent growing demand for carriers has called for more vehicles to be added, and the present strength now consists of 10 vans.  Removals are now undertaken to all parts of the country and regular contracts for local and national firms for the delivery of their goods."