##retailer--right## Beadles Group managing director Richard Johnson was clearly delighted as his company was named AM retailer of the year, having fought off tough competition from the very best in UK automotive retailing. At the Birmingham ICC Awards ceremony last month key decision makers – from top dealers to aftermarket chiefs and manufacturing executives, watched Beadles pick up one of the headline honours of the evening as well as the award for small retail group.

Johnson says: “We are absolutely shocked and delighted to win the award. We were very proud to pick up the award for small retail group, but we never though for a moment that we'd get retailer of the year. “This award reflects the achievement of everyone within Beadles. A business is only as good as its people and this award recognises the achievement of everyone within Beadles.

“We think of ourselves as retailers and measure ourselves not just against companies within the automotive sector but across all sectors, like the John Lewis Partnership. It's important that we know what our customers want and how to provide it.”

Judges were also impressed by the Dartford-based company's use of controls in business, which stretch right across every department and allow minute adjustments to be made constantly to ensure it remains on track.

Over the last five years the group has seen steady growth through a process of acquisition and organic development with growth in turnover being mirrored by a growth in profits. Sales are up 15% from £102m in 2001 to £117m in 2002 while profits increased from £7.4m to £8.4m.

JUDGE'S COMMENT:
The small retail group of the year becomes the AM retailer of the year. The reason is simple – this company has been a consistent profit performer thanks to its steady growth policy and tight management controls. It is an ever-present in the AM100 return on capital employed table, figuring at No 7 in November 2002 listing with ROCE of 24.7%. Beadles is deservedly recognised as the AM retailer of the year.