Former Ryland Group director Nick Whale this week said Damon Hill's new BMW dealership would remain outside his group “for now”.

Mr Whale, silver 'new start' winner in last year's Automotive Management Awards, is in partnership with the ex-Formula One champion and Michael Breen, his manager.

Mr Whale said: “At some future point, Damon and I will have to decide whether we keep the two businesses apart or bring them together.”

They purchased £22m turnover Warwick BMW from Sytner Group for an undisclosed sum. The territory includes Warwick, Leamington and Stratford-upon-Avon. Predicted annual throughput is 450 new and 300 used cars.

Mr Hill is president, responsible for external customer events, including golf and corporate track days. Mr Whale is managing director responsible for management of the dealership.

Mr Hill said he had serious intentions of growing the business. “I won't visit the dealership every day because I live in Surrey, but I will be more than a name on the door,” he said. “I am conscious of the importance of keeping staff motivated so will be putting in regular appearances.”

Discussions were underway with “other leading specialist car manufacturers” as part of a strategic expansion drive by the new company in the region.

The Nick Whale Group has Lexus, Toyota and Lotus dealerships.