Multi franchise dealer group, Cambria Automobiles has published audited preliminary results for the year ended August 31st 2016. The group saw revenues increase 17.3% to £614.2 million and it’s profit befor tax increase to £11.8 million up over 53%.

Talking about the results, Mark Lavery, Chief Executive Officer of Cambria said, “The Group has delivered a strong set of full year results in its 10th year of trading. From a starting Share Capital base of £10.8m with no further issuance in 10 years, we have delivered underlying Profit Before Tax of £10.6m in the period, up from £7.7m in the previous year, a 37.7% increase. Over the 10 year period we have acquired a freehold and long leasehold property portfolio in excess of £41m. In the year we have made a number of strategic acquisitions and disposals and significantly progressed our investment programme to meet the requirements of our manufacturer partners franchise standards. Our sales exceeded £600m for the first time, and the acquisitions that we have made will contribute to revenue growth in the next financial year. The businesses acquired are directly in line with the strategy we laid out in 2013 which was to acquire earnings accretive businesses that strengthen our premium and high luxury portfolio in focused geographical areas and deliver enhanced shareholder returns. I am pleased with the investments that we have made during the course of the year.

“It remains too early to assess the full implications of the UK electorate’s decision to leave the EU, however we appreciate that the UK economy is in a period of uncertainty post the EU referendum vote in June 2016. At the time of writing the Sterling exchange rate has been very volatile and in recent weeks reached its low point equivalent to summer 2011. In the years following 2011 we have seen significant year on year growth in UK new car registrations as Sterling has strengthened relative to the Euro. The current volatility in Sterling could impact the strategy adopted by the manufacturers that we represent. The latest SMMT forecasts for new car registrations in 2017 show a 5% reduction on the 2016 closing forecast. From April 2016 to October 2016 there has been a 2.7% year on year reduction in the Private segment of the new car market.

“Post the period end, trading in the important plate change month of September was in line with expectations, however October trading showed some softening in new car margins.

“The Board remains confident that Cambria’s resilient business model is well positioned to take advantage of any opportunities that the current economic uncertainty could provide. The Board has set its focus for the new financial year on delivery of the important integrations of the acquired businesses along with the property investments that are needed to bring those businesses up to manufacturer standards, increase capacity and provide our Guests with a superior experience.”