BDO reveals its new head of motor retail for the UK

BDO partner Chris Bond has taken over from Steve Le Bas as its new head of motor retail in the UK.

Bond, who is based in the Midlands, has been involved in the motor retail team since he joined BDO in 2013, including being part of BDO's audit team for the AM Awards until 2021 alongside Le Bas and Malcolm Thixton.

The accountancy and advisory firm said Bond has built a strong reputation for his ability to understand the changes in taxation and how they relate to retailers and their individual circumstances. He works with many of the firm’s largest motor clients and audited entities, in helping them navigate the current tax and commercial challenges that they face and introducing the various different consulting streams that BDO can offer.

He said: “It’s a very interesting time to be taking over the role of head of motor retail. The sector is facing fundamental change with the transition to the agency model and EV, the potential impact of AI and also the significant challenges around the skills base.

“It’s for this reason we are increasing our focus beyond our strong audit offering to the broad advisory and consulting help we can give dealers as they continue to navigate this fast changing and complex economic environment.”

BDO is one of the major audit and advisory firms to motor retail in the UK and its strong international network is likely to also play an increasing role as the number of overseas investors into the sector continues to grow. It provides services such as sector-specific accountancy, tax and business advice, as well as support in relation to R&D and M&A opportunities.

Chris added: “I have a great foundation on which to build thanks to all the work Steve, and Malcolm Thixton before him, have done over the last 10 years in growing the team from a Southampton-based centre of excellence to a UK-wide, cross service offering.

“I look forward to further building relationships with the key players and stakeholders in the sector.”

AM understands that the appointment will allow Le Bas, who became head of motor retail in 2019, to focus on leading BDO's Southampton team, although his interest in the automotive sector will continue.