Fred Henderson Automobile Engineers commenced trading in a disused workshop adjoining a Durham bakery in January 1973. The business soon expanded to employ four people and continued to expand until 1980 when the business was moved to its present site in Ainsley Street, just a couple of minutes walk from the city centre. At the time of the move the workforce had increased to eight. In 1982, with his rally career drawing to a close, Fred Henderson took on a position as Motorsport Manager for Colway Tyres and the business took on the responsibility for marketing Colway Motorsport products across the world, something that is continuing to the present day.