AM Awards 2018 AM Hall of Fame inductee and JCT600 founder Jack has been honoured by the Yorkshire Society for his outstanding contribution to the county.

Tordoff followed in the footsteps of former Lord Mayor of London, Sir David Wootton (2017), and actress Dame Judy Dench (2016) to land the annual Yorkshire Awards’ Liftetime Achievement Award.

Quoted in Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus newspaper, Tordoff said: “Being Bradford born and bred, I am a proud Yorkshireman and have never lost sight of my roots.

"I’ve been fortunate to receive many awards during my career, but this accolade has a special place in my heart.

"After 72 years of business, at JCT600 we remain true to our Yorkshire heritage, we are still a family business committed to putting our customers first, and I feel honoured for our achievements and contribution to the region to be recognised in this way.”

Tordoff, who attracted a standing ovation from guests at the AM Awards 2018 when he received his Hall of Fame induction at the ICC in Birmingham in February, started his automotive career in the family garage as an apprentice at 15, shortly after the death of his father.

Initially, that meant fetching tea and newspapers for the mechanics and sweeping up, but before long there weren’t many jobs he couldn’t do.

Tordoff took a break from the business to complete his National Service, which might have led to a different life. He thrived in the Army and was encouraged to stay, but he honoured a promise to his mother that he would return to the garage, expanding its remit into car sales.

Today JCT600 is Yorkshire’s largest private company and ranks in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For, with a £1.2 billion turnover, 50 dealerships and 2,200 staff.

In an eventful career, Tordoff has also won acclaim as an amateur rally driver, culminating in a win at the Circuit of Ireland international rally.

At around the same time, he bought a used Mercedes-Benz 600 with a registration plate bearing his initials – JCT 600 – and a business brand was born.