James Hawley has been appointed as area manager for Hendy Group’s Car and Van Store business.

He has vast experience in the used car industry and will be based at the company’s Portsmouth operation, which offers up to 500 cars and vans on one site in the city.

Hawley has been running Carshop in Wiltshire for the last 13 years and before that worked as a group sales manager for Lookers overseeing car supermarkets across the country.

“It is great to be working somewhere which offers such a wide range of brands but has the reputation and credibility that comes with the franchise business of Hendy,” said Hawley. “We have a great variety of vehicles and fantastic facilities for customers who are at the heart of everything we do.”

The six-site business offers used cars and vans from a variety of popular brands, across the South-East of England.

Hendy chief operating officer Simon Bottomley said he was pleased to have someone with Hawley’s experience of on board.

“James has tremendous experience in the industry and of running a large car supermarket,” he said. “He’s already making a positive impact on the business.”

Married and living in Portsmouth, James initially planned a career as a professional golfer and still enjoys the game with a handicap of two. He also enjoys walking and eating and says he is loving working so close to home for such a well-respected brand.