Independent Ford dealer group, Peoples, has revealed the best financial year and sales performance in its 33-year history.
The figures, included in the company’s annual report, covering the year ended July 31, show profits up 27.9% to £7.05million on a Turnover increase of 10.1% to over £260.6million. The group confirmed year on year vehicle sales up 5% to 18,354 vehicles across its four dealerships in the north-west of England and three in Scotland.
The results mark the fifth year in a row, the group chaired by Scottish entrepreneur Brian Gilda, reported improved profits, turnover and year-on-year sales.
Brian Gilda said the financial performance had been achieved “in the face of fierce competition” and because of a “laser-like focus” by the company’s senior management team on maximising opportunities throughout the financial year.
Brian said: “In my 33 years as CEO of Peoples, I thought I had witnessed every combination of recession, financial turbulence and government incompetence to last a lifetime.
“The combination of government actions north and south of the border along with the unknown implications of Brexit could lead to a slowing of consumer confidence with the likely collateral damage on results. We will, of course, continue to review all revenue and cost items to ensure that we are as fit as we can be to best tackle the marketplace.”
“Ford leading-edge products like Focus RS, Transit, Mustang and Ecosport are a benefit to have and a joy to sell along with the other market leading products we have in virtually every other sector we compete in.”
Brian revealed expansion of Peoples dealerships would be pursued if appropriate possibilities arose.He said: “We have been discussing opportunities for further investments and we’re at the right time in our evolutionary cycle to do that but I have to be more certain of the implications of factors like Brexit before taking that further.”
Group Strategy and Operations Director Nicola Gilda added: “After-sales are vitally important to the business. We value our customers very highly and we want them to know that. Our customers are outstandingly loyal and we want to keep them happy and satisfied by ensuring we take care of them through providing the best possible service.”
Chairman Brian Gilda concluded: “The outstanding loyalty of our customers is what makes these results special.”
