Lookers takes on new 935km cycle challenge

A top team of 40 cyclists at one of the retailer Lookers including chief executive Mark Raban and chief operating officer Duncan McPhee are today setting off on a gruelling charity bike ride.

From Eastbourne to Edinburgh, four teams of 10 will cycle 935 kilometres across eight stages to raise funds for Action for Children, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people and their families.

Last year, Lookers raised more than £150,000 for suicide prevention charity Papyrus and Macmillan Cancer Support after a team of 20 staff from across the group cycled a gruelling 650 kilometres from Birmingham to Scotland and across the Irish Sea to Belfast.

Setting off from Eastbourne on Friday 1 September, Lookers’ team plans to crisscross England, taking in several major dealership locations before crossing Hadrian’s Wall and into Scotland for a final stopover – and a big welcoming party – in Edinburgh on 8 September.  

Lookers’ chief operating officer Duncan McPhee said: “I’m very proud that we’re doubling the number of riders this year to a record 40 staff. We’re grateful for the support of our colleagues and customers along the way and look forward to making a positive impact on the important work which Action for Children delivers.”

Other senior team members from the executive and operations committee are also taking part, including Lookers’ director of customer engagement Karen Prince, business development director Andrew Hall and company secretary Philip Kenny.

To hear more about the impact of agency models on franchised dealers, make sure you come along to Automotive Management Live on November 9.

The event will also be supported by a qualified team of medics, mechanics and experienced riders to help guide and support the Lookers novice peloton.

This year, four teams of 10 will stop off at locations including Guildford, Aylesbury, Tring, Uppingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Ripon, Newcastle, Lindisfarne and Musselburgh en route from Eastbourne to Edinburgh. Follow the peloton at #LookersE2E.