Independent premium used car dealer Oakwood Specialist Cars has completed a £100,000 upgrade of its showroom facilities less than a year after moving into the site.

The Whitley Bay-based retailer completed work the new 4,000 sq-ft indoor showroom and office area at the facility on the Foxhunters Trading Estate.

Now the business is planning a further expansion, with a new forecourt and workshop at the dealership along with a preparation area opposite the Oakwood centre.

Oakwood Specialist Cars owner Michael Miller said: “Buying the premises was the best decision the business has ever made, and it has enabled us to create a much more welcoming and higher quality environment in which to welcome customers.

“The car retail business is evolving rapidly, and it’s essential to be able to offer customers a high quality environment where they’re happy and comfortable spending their time planning and discussing their purchase.”

He added: “Having the new preparation centre right over the road will make a big difference to the way in which cars are processed as they arrive, and will mean we’ll be able to get them out on show and for sale even more quickly.

“We’ve got lots of other ideas for making further improvements across the dealership and will continue to add new features which will contribute to our continuing growth.”

Founded in 2005, Oakwood specialises in sports cars, performance diesels and 4x4s.

The business currently employs 12 people but said that it expects to create more jobs as it targets further growth.

In 2018 it targeted an annual turnover of around £5m, despite stocking a range of premium and luxury used vehicles which included Bentleys, Porsches and Rolls-Royces.

Oakwood is working with Gosforth firm RMT Accountants & Business Advisors on all aspects of its continuing development.

RMT director, Anthony Andreasen, said: “Michael has a very clear idea for how he sees the dealership developing and we’re pleased to be part of helping to see these plans realised.”