Looking for a new franchise? Experts discuss where are the best opportunities

An expert panel will explore all the opportunities represented by emerging brands looking to create lasting and profitable partnerships with automotive retailers in the UK as part of a special strategy session at next month’s Automotive Management Live.

The show is once again being held at the NEC near Birmingham on November 13 and is the leading event in the UK for modern retailers.

Attendance to Automotive Management Live is free of charge for dealers and OEMs who register in advance.

The strategy session, titled “succeeding in a fast-changing brand landscape”, is sponsored by Auto Trader and will be hosted by Ian Plummer, the tech company’s commercial director.

Vaughan Blackman, LSH Auto managing director will talk about how the Mercedes-Benz specialist expanded to partner with new Chinese manufacturer BYD.

The panel will also feature Steve Young, ICDP managing director, who will be able to share a varied view on emerging brands to the UK, as well as the changing landscape of distribution models in the automotive market here.

Simon Bisp, BYD head of sales UK will also be sharing his perspective on building the brand and partnering with franchised dealers to scale the business for the future.

The panel will discuss what the changing brand landscape means for dealers as well as for the legacy brands already present in the UK.

Plummer  (pictured) said: “I don’t believe anything has greater potential to disrupt or reshape the retail market than the shift to electric vehicles and the subsequent impact both of changing distribution models and of new specialist brands.

“With new players already prioritising a dealer centric model, their arrival represents a huge opportunity for retailers who can skilfully navigate this changing landscape and build successful partnerships with the right brands.”

Auto Trader will also be showcasing new technologies and services on its stand B30 in Hall 10 at the NEC.

Plummer said that beyond the opportunity to listen and learn from over 45 speakers on the most pressing issues affecting retailers, Automotive Management Live is one of the very few opportunities in the calendar to meet and network with people from right across the industry.

He added: “In such fast changing times, the value of partnerships has never been clearer; what better place than AM Live to initiate or develop new partnerships to build your business’ future success.”

Succeeding in a fast-changing brand landscape

• Vaughan Blackman, Managing Director, LSH Auto
• Steve Young, Managing Director, ICDP
• Simon Bisp, UK Head of Sales, BYD
• Ian Plummer, Commercial Director, Auto Trader