CarShop has set its sights on a record 2017 at its first ever CarShop Management Conference.

The launch of the independent used car retailer’s “Mission World Class” – the business’ strategy to lead the evolution of the automotive marketplace – the event aimed to immerse its employees and select partners in a virtual global tour.

By recognising the highlights of 2016, key contributors to CarShop’s success and using interactive workshops facilitated by Auto Trader, Cox Automotive and Lloyds, MC16 laid the foundations on which to further build on the success of 2016 and futureproof CarShop.

Jonathan Dunkley, chief executive of CarShop, said: “MC16 was a huge deal for us. Not only was it the first time we invited management from across the business together, it was also the first time we invited a number of partners to share our vision.

“2016 really has been a phenomenal year, but with so much socio-economic and technological change on the horizon, simply celebrating the success is not enough.

“By heavily investing in our people, and encouraging innovation from within, we believe we’ll be able to continually build on our success challenging the perceptions of used car retailing by providing a world-class solution and totally disrupting the marketplace.

“Feedback from the event has been extremely encouraging and we’re delighted all the hard work has paid off.”

Dunkley also reported that MC16 had raised nearly £7,500 for Global’s Make Some Noise children’s charity.

A CarShop Cares programme will aim to raise £100,000 for charity in 2017.

Delegates at December’s MC16 event heard a motivational talk from former athletics star Kirss Akabusi.

They also travelled to ancient Greece, the Brazilian rainforest and Austria before enjoying Las Vegas-themed celebrations as part of its ‘global tour’.