Vertu Motors

Bristol Street Motors Motornation has created 15 jobs as it opens the doors to its latest dealership in Stockton-on-Tees. This follows a £500,000 investment from the Group the brand is part of, which now holds 160 sales outlets nationwide.

The former Evans Halshaw site at Preston Farm Industrial Estate has been transformed to now include an extensive forecourt and 10-ramp service centre, as well as a Kids’ Zone featuring a pool table, Xbox console and other activities.

Around 150 used vehicles are on display at the site, with thousands more available for delivery through the Group’s wider network of dealerships.

The now Bristol Street Motors Motornation site was acquired in December 2021 and has undergone significant refurbishment ahead of its opening. This includes an overhaul of soft furnishings, new signage and a state-of-the-art service centre for servicing and repairs.

The location was previously a Reg Vardy Rover dealership before the chain was bought by Pendragon in 2005, becoming part of its Evans Halshaw division, before closing a few years ago.

Kevin Parkinson, who has most recently worked for Bristol Street Motors at sites in Sheffield, is returning to his native North East to oversee the dealership. He said: “A lot of work has gone into getting the site ready for opening. It was empty for quite a while, but with such a prominent position and a large vehicle display area, we thought it was the perfect location for a Motornation site.

“I’m delighted to be back on home turf and serving Teesside customers again. There’s something for everyone at Bristol Street Motors Motornation Stockton; vehicles to suit all budgets, and affordable and high-quality servicing.

“We understand and appreciate our customers. A big section of the used car market is devoted to families, so we have made sure that they are catered for with a kids’ area to keep youngsters occupied, so their parents can focus on making the right purchase.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “We’re very pleased to open the doors of this fantastic dealership, following a significant redevelopment and investment. The changes that the used car market has undergone in the last two years has allowed us to expand the Bristol Street Motors brand, but we have also diversified the Motornation site to offer vehicle servicing and repairs.”

Prior to its sale to Evans Halshaw, Mr Forrester was the Finance Director and then Managing Director of Reg Vardy, which operated the site for many years. He added: “I remember when this location was the top used car location for Reg Vardy. It’s great to be breathing new life into it and creating new jobs in the area. I am looking forward to seeing it grow and flourish.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors plc is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 160 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 156 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 120 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