9:54 pm, April 19, 2011
YORKSHIRE-based car retailer JCT600 has finished its 2010 trading year by posting its highest ever turn-over.
For the 12 months to December 31, 2010, the privately owned company saw turnover rise from £498m to £615m, up 32 per cent from the previous year, while profit before tax also increased to £12.3m – it’s the highest turnover in the firm’s 65 year history.
While total new car registrations for the brands it represents grew by only five per cent as an average across the UK, JCT600 increased new vehicle sales by over 42 per cent. Its used car sales were also resilient, performing in line with the market.
‘We have once again seen our sales of new cars outperforming the market with our three new Audi dealerships and the opening of our first PriceRight car ‘supermarket’ adding to the group’s success,’ said Nigel Shaw, finance director of JCT600.
‘We were also able to continue to reduce costs, which fell by another two per cent, as well as increasing our after sales business by 27 per cent – MOT and tyre sales saw their best year ever. The focus of the business remains driving customer care and we are continuing to invest in the technology to support this. 2011 has already got off to a good start with total vehicle sales up six per cent on last year.’
The group now employs 1,350 staff at its 48 dealerships throughout Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and the North East.
Jack Tordoff, chairman of JCT600, said: ‘It has been another exceptional year for the company and these record results are testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire JCT600 team. The strength of these results put us in an excellent position for further expansion.’
Sales director Andy Coulthurst added: ‘We are continuing to buck the current retail trend thanks to our loyal customer base. Our online presence is continuing to grow and we are also investing in TV advertising to reach an even greater audience.’
