A key to travel for three decades New computer system helped the company improve without losing that friendly touch FOR more than three decades, Margaret and Fed Parker have been supplying Widnes and Runcorn with a friendly, and professional taxi service.

During that time, Key Taxi's have become an integral aspect of local life and their reputation for reliability and quality has continued to this day.

But Taxi services , like any other business, have to move firmly with the times and there came a point, around three years ago, when the couple started to consider the prospect of retirement.

"It was a make or break moment," said Fred.

"We had a choice of calling it a day or taking the company to the next level by going computerised.

We knew that this had to be done but we were not remotely computer minded.

But we sat down and thought about it.

"We knew our customers would miss us and, to be honest, we didn't really fancy sitting around at home and doing nothing.

"So we decided to take the opportunity to fully upgrade our service and join the technological age.

"It cost a lot of money at the time and a considerable amount of patience but we got there and, in the end, it is to the benefit of the customers."

Since then, Key Taxis has gone from strength to strength. "The company has never been busier and the service absolutely first class,"

said Fred.

"The computer system was difficult at first but it soon improved every aspect of our business ."