140 Years Of Change

Pain and Kershaw Ltd is celebrating its 140th birthday at the end of the month and there are more changes afoot. David Kershaw is the third generation of the Kershaw family to be involved in P&K but is taking a step back over the coming months after 40 fulfilling years of service.

When asked what the highlights of his time at the helm of P&K were, David without hesitation says “The loyal customers and staff; and for the township, the arrival of the vineyard industry, the refurbishment of the Martinborough Hotel was a huge turning point”.

In the future David intends becoming a little more laid back, writing a P&K history, enjoying his grandchildren, the coast and perhaps a bit more golf. He still intends to help out at P&K in the back ground, if asked but is considering some suitable job offers in the local fishing industry!
David’s son Conor has been involved in the business for over 8 years. When asked what motivated him to join the family firm Conor says “Retailing is ever changing and there is never a dull day. I enjoy people, and Martinborough is a great place to live and bring up kids.”

He can also remember his grandfather Harry, literally working in the shop until the day he died at the age of seventy, regretting the fact he didn’t make the most of his twilight years. Conor likes the fact he can enable his father to enjoy ‘the golden years’ by getting involved in the business.
When asked what the future holds, Conor replied “In the short term it is business as usual, there is a great team in place in the Supermarket and I have plenty to learn from them. In the long term there are some challenges around the earthquake prone buildings.”

Conor  wants to develop the business in tune with Martinborough. The goal is to one day be a New World but the district is currently short of a few thousand people to meet the market requirements. He says “The future is exciting, who knows what it will hold for Martinborough and P&K.”