Solent Body Builders and Repairs is formed as a partnership between Mr D  Sainsbury and 3 of his work colleagues who have been made redundant from Strackans Bodywork’s of Hamble. They operate from Wickham Railway Goods Yard, dealing with only accident repairs.

The site moves from Wickham Railway Goods Yard to St Johns Road in Hedge End. The facilities are larger, and at this point, they are also able to introduce vehicle body building to complement the accident repair side. The Company continues to grow employing more staff. On 26 March, the company becomes Limited and the 4 partners become directors.

One of the directors is forced to retire due to ill health and sells his shares to the remaining 3.

Mr Mark Sainsbury (youngest son of Mr D Sainsbury) joins the company.

Mr Kevin Sainsbury (Eldest son of Mr D Sainsbury) joins the company. Shortly after this, the other two Directors retired. Making Solent Bodybuilders & Repairs Ltd a family run business.

Solent Body Builders sold their site in Hedge End and relocated to Unit 4 Cockerell Close in Segensworth, Fareham.

In August of this year, the new workshops are completed and became fully operational by September.

D Sainsbury retires selling his shares to his sons.

SBB starts its own signage company Solent Signs.

Solent Body Builders purchase G C South Accident Repair Centre who deal in the repair of cars.

GC South is Sold to Page Automotive Group.

November the 27th – Kevin and Mark Sainsbury retire and sell Solent Body Builders to Jon Whitbread and Greg Heller in an MBO.

Jon Whitbread has worked for SBB since 1997 starting as a repairer progressing through the company.

Greg Heller has worked for SBB since 2012 starting as a Coachbuilder progressing through the company.