Caffyns has seen its half-year turnover and profit drop following closures and disposals as it fights to stabilise profits for the longer term.

In the six months to September 30 it posted revenues of £86.7 million, down 16.5% from £103.8m, and profit before tax slumped 74% from £917,000 to £241,000.

Chief executive Simon Caffyn said the first half-year’s trading period coincided with a marked downturn in general retail demand and consumer discretionary spending which impacted Caffyns and the retail motor industry as a whole.

Trading was also disturbed by a refurbishment at Lewes Land Rover, restructuring of Brighton Ford and Volvo and the closure of Sevenoaks Peugeot.

“The outlook for the rest of our trading year remains both challenging and uncertain,” he added. Costs have been cut further and it continues to review all areas of the business to identify any inefficiencies.

It has put four properties up for sale.

He said the strategy remains to focus on representing premium and premium-volume franchises which have proven more resilient.