10:32 am, June 22, 2010
Daksh Gupta
MARSHALL’s annual report shows the group increased turnover to £453m last year – with a profit of £5.7m.
The increase saw the group jump from being the 17th largest dealer group in the UK to the 14th – and this growth took place during a very tough year for the motor industry.
The increase in turnover represents an 8.7 per cent rise against a typical industry average of a 20 per cent DECLINE by other dealers.
‘Despite the challenging new car market, Marshall significantly increased unit sales of new cars by 20.5 per cent in 2009,’ said chief executive Daksh Gupta.
Used cars retails sales increased as well as the net profit from servicing – this was up a staggering 40 per cent. Parts sales profits were up by the same margin while the bodyshop department also increased profit by 20 per cent.
This rise in aftersales profit is the result of a direct focus on the area by the group and heavy investment, explained Gupta.
‘The investment has seen growth in all the main departments which make up this important part of our business,’ said the Marshall chief.
The annual report goes on to review the acquisitions made by the group in the last year – in 2009 it snapped up four businesses and in 2010 has already added six more – and hints at even further expansion.
‘We will continue to review and evaluate further opportunities in the coming year,’ added Gupta.
by JAMES BAGGOTT
