MR EVER READY is set to start recharging his batteries. After 20 years in the battery business, Phil Clark is easing into retirement.

Mr Clark, 59, founded Guernsey Agencies – a wholesaler and agent for many brand leaders – with his wife, Ann, after taking over the local Ever Ready franchise in 1984.

He had worked for the company for 10 years and it later became the American company Energizer.

Known mainly as The Battery Man but also as Mr Ever Ready and Torchy, Mr Clark worked alongside the new owner, Ian Duquemin, for most of March to ensure continuity of service.

Mr Duquemin, 44, who managed his family business, Maryland Service Station at Cobo, is now running Guernsey Agencies with his wife, Roslyn.

‘Over the years I have been fortunate to have the support of the island’s leading retailers and the friendships built during that time are valued highly,’ said Mr Clark.

‘To succeed, it is essential to build a relationship based on trust and dependability and I have every confidence that Ian will provide those same qualities.’

In his 20 years in the business, Mr Clark has seen batteries shrink.

Large cylindrical batteries which he supplied to power Sark’s telephone system have been replaced by small rechargeable cells for mobile phones.

Old valve radios used to require batteries the size of those used in cars, whereas button cells now power personal equipment.

‘There is a great need for batteries today and we use them without really noticing,’ said Mr Clark.

Battery shelf-life has also extended by many years due to improved manufacturing skills.

The superior quality means that they last for longer.

‘And during the Ever Ready era, while it was a British company, every single product sold was made in Great Britain. Now, none are,’ said Mr Clark.

He also supplied Maglite torches, Swiss Army knives, Vileda household products and items from other agencies.

Mr Duquemin, who was procureur and then constable for the Castel, sold Maryland in December.

‘We were chatting and I was looking at doing something new.

‘I wanted to keep in contact with people and this came across as the right situation,’ he said.

Mr Duquemin may also consider returning to the douzaine in the future.

Mr Clark hopes to spend more time on the golf course and in Florida, where he and his wife have relatives.

He was confident that Mr Duquemin’s business experience and contacts would prove invaluable.

‘Fresh ideas and new products are vital. Ian will supply both and a degree of personal service to ensure another 20 years of Guernsey Agencies,’ he said.