The longest established Mitsubishi dealer in the UK, Humphries and Parks represents a brand at the beginning of its market share recovery after a slide from the highs of 2005 and as a single site has no big corporate structure to support its efforts to grow.

The journey began in 2012 when, on the retirement of the founders, Marcus Joy went from being a client to owner and managing director. He embarked on what he calls a “journey of continuous improvement of the business, in every way, every day”.

He introduced a family values philosophy (honesty, energy, attitude and talent), while bringing new focus to new and used car planning and finance and insurance products with clear staff roles and responsibilities, while recognising growth opportunities in the local Kent market.

Turnover this year is forecast to be £10.5 million, up from £4m in 2012, operating profit has increased to £970,000 from £57,000, and the business is enjoying a margin of 4.5%, an increase of 1.9% since 2012.

Auditors BDO concluded that Humphries and Parks was a business of the right people, with strong processes and using appropriate tools. Through focus and drive, and recruitment of sales manager Daryl Pimbley, BDO said Joy had truly turned the business around with a brand that still had much to deliver.

Category sponsor: Jewelultra Diamondbrite

Shortlisted
Luscombe Mitsubishi Leeds
Taunton Audi (Marshall Motor Group)

Previous winners
2014 Livery Dole; 2013 Luscombe Suzuki Leeds; 2012 Luscombe Suzuki Leeds