Derby-based Pentagon group has appointed Trevor Heathcote as group buying and remarketing manager in order to satisfy the demand for vehicles by its branches spread throughout Derbyshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Staffordshire.

Heathcote will now be responsible for headhunting and recruiting a team of four buyers (three car and one commercial).

His main role is to source vehicle supply for all Pentagon group branches via rental, contract hire, leasing, main dealer and auction routes.

Surplus vehicles will be remarketed through the group remarketing department, whose target customers are other main dealers round the UK, as well as contract hire and rental companies. Heathcote says: “It makes sense to centralize this function to ensure that each branch has a satisfactory supply of vehicles to retail to the public.

“Together with my new team, we intend to buy to supply and remarket in the region of 5,500 vehicles this year – comprising cars and commercials. And, of course, we will be buying cross-brand vehicles to meet these objectives.”

Heathcote’s career in the motor trade spans 35 years, climbing through the ranks from the shop floor to sales, achieving sales management and general management.

Prior to his appointment, Pentagon Group had never had a central buying department to supply vehicles to their various branches and the remarketing department.

“The group of people I have assembled bring with them a wealth of contacts and experience, which will help continue to build on the strong links we already have with our suppliers,” says Heathcote.