Our Business Leader of the Year Award winner has previously told us he doesn’t really like his company to enter awards directly, as he’d prefer that the AM100 dealer group be nominated by others.

Well, this year, he received plenty of nominations from the AM Awards panel of judges.

From day one, when it acquired Bristol Street Motors, the strategy for the company Robert Forrester founded has been clear. Vertu Motors will consolidate franchised networks and generate benefits from large scale operations, and as a group where controls, process improvements and people development are just business as usual.

Read this full article, and more about other AM Awards winners, here in our free digital report on the 2023 AM Awards.

The company now represents more car brands than any other motor retailer in the UK, having swiftly grown with mainstream brands and then prestige marques. And it has invested in ancillary businesses, such as parts e-commerce companies and leasing operations which complement its franchised dealership core and increase Vertu’s technological capabilities.

Forrester plan to expand the group further. Its acquisition of 28 outlets from Helston Garages Group last December for £117 million was evidence of its continued intent.

Forrester recently told AM: “Our strong balance sheet and the ongoing support from lenders, our experienced leadership team and robust systems capabilities will ensure the group continues to capitalise on the significant growth opportunities that exist in the sector.”

While Forrester once stated he was “perhaps not known for being very human” due to his analytical focus, ultimately, he wants everyone to achieve their potential in the company. 

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