Posted on the 14th September 2026 in PHTM News

REMEMBERING JOHN MATKIN: A VETERAN OF OUR INDUSTRY

John Matkin was a true pioneer of Derby’s taxi industry and the founder of the business that became Chads Cars.

His career in the trade began when he drove taxis for Western Cars while working at a local mill to support his young family. That early experience sparked a lifelong involvement with taxis and a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

Over the years, John owned and operated several well-known Derby taxi businesses.

He bought Chaddesden Taxis, helped establish both Roe Farm Cars and Lucky 7 Taxis, and twice owned Albatross Cars - developing the company and expanding its operation from its Curzon Street base.

John understood the taxi trade from the ground up. He was prepared to drive, manage, take risks and work whatever hours were necessary to ensure that customers were looked after.

In 1991, John brought Lucky 7 and Roe Farm Taxis together, creating Chads Cars. He had a clear vision for the new company and built a strong workforce around him, including his wife Sylvia and their sons, Kevin, Gary and Steve.

Many of the people who worked alongside John became loyal friends, reflecting both the strength of the business and the respect he earned throughout Derby’s taxi community.

John was renowned for his extraordinary work ethic. He rarely turned down a job and never considered anything too much trouble.

On one particularly demanding night, when another company’s drivers had gone on strike, John and his son drove around 1,000 miles between them to meet the additional demand.

That determination, reliability and willingness to serve became part of the character upon which Chads Cars was built.

He was also known for giving people opportunities and helping others to establish themselves within the industry. John was never afraid of taking a risk or encountering the occasional setback; he simply worked hard, learned from the experience and moved forward.

His drive, generosity and independent spirit enabled him to achieve considerable success while helping many others along the way.

Martin Walker from Chads Cars said “Although Chads Cars has since entered a new chapter, we remain proud of the history behind our name. The company serving Derby today exists because of John Matkin’s vision, courage and decades of hard work.

“We are honoured to recognise his achievements and ensure that his contribution to Chads Cars—and to Derby’s taxi industry—is remembered.”


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