Veteran readers of our magazine The World of Personal Number Plates may recall Sir John Griffin, who appeared in our June 2017 issue, when he was simply Mr John Griffin.
Sir John may be best known as the founder of London-based private car hire company Addison Lee, which he established in 1975. Taxis and private hire cars were not Sir John's first choice of career. He had previously trained as an accountant, although his training ended prematurely when he was needed to help deal with difficulties at his family's business.
Needing a job to make ends meet, and to lend financial support to his father's ailing business, John Griffin became a minicab driver. When the family business emerged intact from its period of crisis, John took the opportunity to consider his future plans. He decided to learn all aspects of how the private hire industry worked and to pursue it as a business of his own.
In 1975, John Griffin started Addison Lee. The name was not that of a business partner or of any other person John knew. It was a mash-up of Addison, taken from Addison Gardens in London, which was chosen as it began with 'A' (meaning the company would appear early in alphabetical listings), and the name Lee, which John chose pretty much at random.
During his tenure with Addison Lee, John founded the Licensed Private Hire Car Association, which is now the main UK trade body for minicabs.
In 2013, John Griffin sold Addison Lee for more than £350 million.
Honours and contributions
Sir John Griffin was knighted in the 2024 New Year's Honours List for his services to charity and business. As well as being involved in many successful business ventures, he has made substantial contributions to many charities and good causes.
After he sold Addison Lee, John Griffin donated more than £12 million to establish a training institute at Northwick Park Hospital. He has also supported Co-operation Ireland, an organisation working to promote peace across the island of Ireland.
Sir John is an "Enterprise Fellow" of The Prince's Trust, and has made charitable contributions to the Variety Club Golf Society.
If the price is right
Sir John's purchase of 1 JG wasn't an investment decision; it was conducted purely on the basis of his desire to own the striking registration. As something bought for his own personal pleasure, Sir John has never really intended to part with 1 JG. That said, he is, first and foremost, a businessman and 1 JG is certainly an asset.
After consideration, Sir John has decided that he will offer 1 JG up for sale. However, letting go of this superb registration that has meant a lot to him is not something he will do lightly or cheaply.
Regtransfers has been instructed to offer 1 JG for sale on behalf of Sir John Griffin. The price? £1 million.
Regtransfers is aware of a number of other UK private number plates that have changed hands for £1 million or more. As further information on these sales is not currently in the public domain, data protection legislation and respect for customer privacy mean that we cannot share details.
If you would like to buy 1 JG, or make an enquiry regarding 1 JG, please contact Regtransfers on 01582 967777, or enquire via our website.
