Vertu Motors’ year end results, published today, reveal turnover up year-on-year 8.9% and above the one billion mark for the first time, at £1.09 billion (2011: £999m).

Operating profit is up 6.3% to £6.7m, profit before tax up 3.8% to £5.5m - and total shareholder dividends for the year up 20% to 0.6 pence per share.

New car retail volumes declined 3.5% against a retail market decline of 11.9% and market share increased to over 3% of the new car private market (2011: 2.4%).

Chief executive Robert Forrester said: “The group has successfully navigated a challenging period for the industry driven by reduced consumer demand in 2011.

“Increased profit before tax, strong cash generation and the continued development of the dealership portfolio were delivered. We saw revenues in excess of £1bn for the first time and profit momentum was re-established in the second half of the year.