SELLING more new cars than the market average and key acquisitions marked another strong year for Bradford-based motors business JCT600 in 2015.

The family-owned business with 50 dealerships across the North and Midlands, which is marking its 70th anniversary, increased sales by 12 per cent to £1.14 billion from £1.02 billion in 2014.

Pre tax profit rose marginally to £18.6 million from £18.6 million in a highly competitive market which put pressure on margins.

New vehicle sales again outperformed the market, rising by ten per cent compared with an industry average of a six per cent across the 18 brands represented by JCT600. Aftersales turnover also grew by 12 per cent with gross profit 13 per cent higher.

JCT600 continued to invest in new systems and increased staff numbers to 2,300. It also made an £18.3 million acquisition of two Mercedes Benz dealerships in Harrogate and York, in line with its strategy of being a niche regional operation.

A new fully responsive web platform resulted in a 300 per cent rise in visitors to its website from mobile devices and a 64 per cent increase in sales leads.

John Tordoff, chief executive, said: “It has been another year of strong growth as we have continued with our focus of striving to be the best car retailer rather than the biggest.

“The acquisition of another two Mercedes Benz dealerships in prime North Yorkshire locations has further enhanced our geographic spread and our innovative web offering is making it easier for customers to engage with us from whatever browsing device they choose.

“While the market is extremely competitive, we have proved able to continue to win market share based on our 70 year heritage of offering great value, a choice of quality brands and outstanding service. We are constantly looking for ways of improving the customer’s experience with ongoing investments in our team and dealerships as well as implementing industry leading initiatives.

“We are particularly proud of the progress we have made in our quest to be ‘the best place to work’ with JCT600 this year achieving the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’ accreditation.”

Nigel Shaw, group finance director, added: “The economic outlook has improved greatly in the last few years and, once the Brexit debate is behind us, we expect business and consumer confidence to remain buoyant going forward.”

“With our long heritage and excellent reputation, JCT600 is well placed to continue to take full advantage of these favourable conditions and we hope to see a period of sustained growth.”