8:09 am, September 3, 2013
DEALER Bell and Colvill’s new chairman has pledged to take the business onto the next step with the addition of the Morgan franchise.
Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer Magazine, new chairman Andrew Elliman, says he’s ‘lusted after the business since he was 17-years-old and is pleased to be leading the company forward’.
Elliman told Car Dealer: ‘It’s the first time I’ve been in the automotive industry, but I’ve always been in business. I had the opportunity to invest in Bell and Colvill 18 months ago, while running my own business Railsite Holdings.
‘The company has historically been associated with the village and as a local lad, since I was a young teenage boy of 17 driving past the dealership, I’ve always aspired to buy cars from Bell and Colvill and I’ve been lusting after it all this time.
‘I’m now really proud to now be a part of the business and the Morgan brand will be a brilliant addition to the franchise.’
Elliman’s appointment coincided with the addition of the Morgan brand to the dealer franchise. The official opening of the Morgan range took place last weekend where more than 200 people attended.
Among the attendees was MD of Morgan, Steve Morris along with members of his sales team, who fully support the company.
Elliman added: ‘Original founders Bobby Bell and Martin Colvill still have shares in the business as non-executive directors, so the historic DNA is still running through the business.
‘Bobby still comes into the showroom on a daily basis, and Martin does occasionally. It’s brilliant to work alongside them and myself and my team are learning a lot from them as they carry many years of experience between them.’
Originally founded by Bobby Bell and Martin Colvill in 1970, the Surrey-based business has represented its existing three brands, Lotus, Saab and Subaru since 1970, 1981 and 1995.
Elliman is confident that his new career path into the dealer business will be successful and as a new addition to the trade industry, he is excited to be a part of it: ‘From a business point of view, it was a great financial investment because Bell and Colvill is recognised as a prestigious brand in the motor retailing sector.
‘This is an exciting, interesting and very different business change for me. I’m extremely lucky that it’s based around a very exciting product.’
