When a car is in an accident and taken to a bodyshop for repair, there is a good chance the paint job will use materials supplied by GB Refinish.

The family-run supplier to garages and the automotive industry across the South East distributes products from major manufacturers like BASF and Lechler.

After three decades supplying bodyshops, new markets have opened up in classic-car restoration and general industry.

Based at Crossways Business Park in Stone, near Dartford, since 2009, its success is “a lot to do with being independent”, according to founder and managing director John Barclay.

“So many of our competitors have been swallowed up by national groups,” he said.

“We are a family business and we offer that personal service and attention to detail, which you don’t really see from some of the bigger companies.

“A branch manager is never as motivated as an owner-driver running their own business.”

The company has an annual turnover of £2.6 million, which Mr Barclay hopes will reach £4 million over the next 18 months.

The challenge is to maintain the focus on customer service as the firm grows.

"If you put so much into your business you’re rewarded, not just financially, but with the pleasure of what you do..." - John Barclay, GB Refinish

It handled its previous expansion with ease. The firm was founded in Herne Hill in 1986 and also had an office in Rainham, Essex, but Mr Barclay wasted no time moving the company to Dartford when the premises became available.

“We jumped at the opportunity to move both businesses into one site in a slightly bigger facility,” he said.

“It’s a cracking environment. It feels like you’re in a nice area. It’s a nice place to work.”

Mr Barclay’s wife, Evelyn, is the company secretary and his 36-year-old son, John R Barclay, is general manager.

To commemorate the company reaching its 30-year milestone last year, father and son were presented with a plaque by R-M Paint, a trading brand of paint maker BASF and a partner of the company for 20 years.

Mr Barclay, 59, eventually hopes to hand over the reins to his son.

“I love my business,” he said. “It has been successful because I love it. If you put so much into it you’re rewarded, not just financially, but with the pleasure of what you do.”

In the past three years, GB Refinish has employed three apprentices, all of whom are now full-time employees.

Mr Barclay said: “I believe strongly in young people. I’m really proud of them and I’d take on more without hesitation.”