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Business profile: Peter Gilkes
Waking up from a general anaesthetic, a groggy Peter Gilkes was soon able to focus on a familiar face.
The businessman - who runs Peter E Gilkes and Company - had gone into hospital in Chorley for a routine shoulder operation.
It's very much a family firm as Peter's wife Bernadette and their two sons Ben, 36, and Matthew, 33, all work at the Market Street business.
Squinting as he tried to focus, Peter spotted Ben's wife, who works at the hospital, and he whispered something of paramount importance.
"Has Ben done that job at 9.30am?" he asked.
As Ben tells me the story there's a mix of pride and incredulity in his voice.
This is the same dad who attended his daughter Elizabeth's birth 28 years ago and was back at work at 1pm the same day, so nobody was really surprised at the story.
Peter used to work for estate agents Entwistle Green but opened up Peter E Gilkes and Company in 1990.
They describe themselves as chartered surveyors, property consultants, valuers and estate agents.
Estate agency accounts for about 50 per cent of their business, of which the majority is commercial.
Home is now a plush new office in 44 Market Street and the eight-strong workforce has a family feel to it with Peter's two sons working as chartered surveryors and his wife in charge of accounts.
"I was brought up in Brougton and we moved to Leyland 35 years ago," he said. "We've been there ever since."
Peter is now 60 and is a personable chap - which is a trait he likes his business to display.
"I like to think most of our clients have a personable relationship with us," he said. "It's the old fashioned work ethic of putting their interests first."
His commitment to Chorley is obvious and he says some of the bigger firms miss the local link.
When he speaks about Chorley's strengths and weaknesses he relies on years of experience.
"Following the development of Market Walk we've seen the relative decline of the other end of Market Street," he said. "I would like to see that area redeveloped."
And what about the thorny subject of parking?
"Parking is always an emotive issue," he concedes. "I've got a friend who regularly goes to Preston. He'd rather park on the outskirts of town and walk 10-15 minutes rather than spend 1."
His son Ben, who joined his father in 2001, said: "I would like to see more long-term permits for businesses and office users. West Street car park is always empty."
Younger brother Matthew started working for his father in 1998. The only member of the family not to join the firm is Peter's daughter Elizabeth, which seems unlikely as she's an intensive care nurse.
Even at 60, Peter's enthusiasm for the job burns brightly.
"Ben has his own clients and Matthew has his own clients," said their father. "In time I'll fade away."
Judging by the fact he thinks about work while he's under the surgeon's knife you don't think Peter Gilkes will be fading away any time soon.
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Weather for Leyland
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
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