Walking past supermodels on the way to a dealer interview is not a regular occurrence on AM. The fact Kate Moss was out shopping 50 paces from HR Owen’s Jack Barclay showroom highlights how different this group is from any other in the UK.

It has access to one of the largest (high net worth) cust-omer databases in the world, has to manage considerable costs with a largely central London-based operation and has been trying to stabilise the business after the recession.

Profits have been on a roller-coaster ride in the past 10 years and previous chief executive Andy Duncan left the business after just 12 months in the role.

Its collection of high-luxury franchises brings with them high expectations, but, after 13 months in the job, CEO Joe Doyle has steadie the ship and is ready to take his plans for HR Owen forward following a positive first year.

In its last interim statement for the six months ended June 30, 2012, revenue was up 37.9% to £128.4 million and profit before tax was up by 23.5% to £2.1m.