Hodgson, the north east based independent car dealer, is targeting a 10% growth in staff numbers this year in order to maintain high service standards for customers.

The estimated growth will take family-owned Hodgson to a workforce exceeding 150 employees. The recruitment drive will be focused on taking on staff in sales, admin, parts and technical.

Jacquie Mason, human resource manager at Tyneside-based Hodgson, said: "Hodgson has been built on the strength of its people and as the company continues to expand, it is crucial we have the personnel in place to maintain the service standards which our customers have come to expect."

Mason believes Hodgson’s staff retention record is down to the group’s continuous investment in its staff.

“As a result, individuals and departments grow with the business, and new job opportunities such as those we have now emerge to help manage the company’s growth,” she added.

Stephen Hodgson, managing director of Hodgson, anticipates the increase to be completed before the end of next year as a result of a proposed opening of a second franchise at its Toyota Gateshead operation.

With a current sales turnover of around £58 million, Hodgson operates Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda dealerships in Newcastle and a Toyota franchise in Gateshead. A second franchise in Gateshead will bring a £15m boost of additional revenue taking the company over the £70m mark.

“Our commitment to customer service has led to a loyal customer-base which is the main reason why we continue to grow, buck the general UK trend of declining car sales and invest in the future of the business,” said Hodgson.