22 Industry News Also online at www.dijonline.co.uk Door Industry Journal Summer 2026 Access Garage Door Group Celebrates 50 Years of Success and Growth The Access Garage Door Group is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of sustained growth, innovation and commitment to both the retail and trade sectors of the garage door industry. FOUNDED IN 1976 by Stephen Trott in New Malden, Surrey, under the trading name S J Trott Limited, the business began during a memorable year that saw Concorde take to the skies on its first commercial flight to Bahrain, Britain endure its famous summer heatwave, and James Hunt crowned Formula One World Champion. From these early beginnings, Stephen steadily developed the company throughout the Southeast, building a reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service. As the business expanded, it evolved under a number of well-known trading names. In 1986, the company became London Garage Doors before adopting the name Access Garage Doors and Gates Ltd in 1989. The same period also saw the launch of Capital Garage Doors, together with Sparesmaster, a specialist garage door parts supplier, while Garage Door Associates was established to support ambitious entrepreneurs looking to develop their own garage door businesses. A key figure in the company’s development has been James Wright, who joined the business in 1987 as a branch manager before quickly progressing to company director. In 2008, he was appointed Managing Director and helped lead the company through a significant period of growth and diversification. Following the sad passing of founder Stephen Trott in 2020, James took personal responsibility for guiding the business through a difficult period while continuing to support the Trott family. Having worked alongside Stephen for many years, James regarded him not only as a colleague, but also as a close friend. Today, the company remains family-owned and operated, with Stephen’s wife and children continuing to oversee the group. In September 2024, James stepped back from his role as Managing Director to take on a part-time director position within the business, allowing him to enjoy a more balanced home and work life. His son, Ashley Wright, was appointed Managing Director of the group, continuing the company’s strong tradition of family leadership and long-term commitment to the industry. Today, the Access Garage Door Group operates as a successful and dynamic organisation across both the retail and trade sectors, with each division managed independently to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Its wholesale businesses, Capital Garage Doors and Sparesmaster, have grown into major industry players over the years. Sparesmaster now offers one of the largest ranges of garage door spares, tools and consumables available to the trade, while Capital Garage Doors has established itself as one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers. In addition to its core
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