The judges described Nick Beevis, general manager of Perrys Motor Sales Aylesbury, as “a clear winner”.

In a complex business set-up, he managed to improve profit, grow new car business significantly, including new car margins, and is working the manufacturer incentives well. His dealership has seven new car and three commercial vehicle franchises.

Beevis has 174 employees and 11 managers reporting to him, with each franchise run as an individual department.

In 2016, Aylesbury will account for more than 10% of the group’s turnover and nearly 15% of its profits. Operating profit in 2015 was £85,000 and in 2016 is projected to be £1.3 million. Perrys has 35 sites.

Beevis has had to make tough decisions – and spot new opportunities – in the past 12 months.

For example, the site’s fleet and bodyshop departments were closed as they were losing money, but realising the needs for body repairs, Beevis introduced a SMART van business, with five vehicles carrying out repairs in the local area, averaging £50,000 in business per month.

Incentive income from manufacturers has increased by 87% in 12 months for new and commercial sales.

“The majority of this increase has come from understanding what is on offer from manufacturers and what our route to market is to ensure we achieve this,” Beevis said.

From his staff, Beevis encourages creativity and support of new ideas and a ‘why not?’ attitude.

“Too many times the answer to a question from a customer or colleague has been ‘no’ before anybody considered the consequences. Now we think why not?

“Sometimes the answer is still no, but both staff and customers can see we have tried to accommodate them. So long as our answer is explained, people understand. More often, the answer is yes. The impact on staff morale is huge.”

 

Highly commended

Mike Dodds, Volvo Cars North London

Darren Bradford, Drayton Motors Kia

 

Shortlisted

Glen Ramskill, Vantage Toyota York

Neil Pearson, JCT600 Mazda Leeds

William Lander, Marshall Bridgewater Van Centre

 

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