Vertu Motors

Bristol Street Motors has spent £1million transforming its Harlow Peugeot dealership into a multi-franchise site, doubling its investment in the town and creating seven new jobs.

Following a £1million investment to refurbish a state-of-the-art service centre on River Way late last year, Bristol Street Motors has grown its commitment in the area, renovating its Peugeot dealership to accommodate the addition of Citroen and Vauxhall franchises.

This latest spend brings the total investment in the area to £2million in the last 12 months, with more than 30 jobs created.

The dealership, on Edinburgh Way, has undergone significant work to transform its former workshop - which has been transferred to the site refurbished last year - into two additional showrooms displaying a further nine vehicles.

The workshop doors have been removed and replaced with a wall-to-ceiling glass front, and interactive screens have been installed to allow customers to build a vehicle specification that suits their individual needs and budget.

Richard Geary, General Manager at Bristol Street Motors Harlow, said: “This has been a huge transformation for the location and demonstrates Bristol Street Motors’ confidence in the town. The site of the new showrooms had been a workshop for 20 years, seeing it stripped back and renovated to create the most modern of car dealerships has been amazing.

“The end result is outstanding and has created a fantastic environment for colleagues and customers. To support the addition of Vauxhall and Citroen to the site, we have recruited seven new team members and promoted two very experienced people into senior positions. I’m very excited about our future and look forward to welcoming more people to Bristol Street Motors Harlow.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “Bristol Street Motors is delighted with the result of this latest investment. We have made a significant commitment to Harlow over the last year. Refurbishing a dedicated service centre, just around the corner from the dealership, has allowed us to expand this site and bring three leading brands under one roof.

“We have created more than 30 jobs in the area as a direct result of our investment at the two sites. There will be further opportunities for other roles and apprenticeships in our workshop and dealership locations, and we would encourage local people to consider building their career with us.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors plc is the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 164 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu Motors and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors plc was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 160 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 123 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites –

www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcycles.com / www.vansdirect.co.uk / www.thetaxicentre.com / www.powerbulbs.com