Mike Dodds, former managing director of William Jacks group, will open a new Jaguar showroom in Watford, Herts, on June 18. It will be Dodds’ first dealership as he looks to build a network of 10-12 sites.

The new sites will mainly be located in the south east of England, but geography is not overly important to Dodds’ plans.

“The expansion won’t exclusively be with Jaguar, but we would like to grow with them,” he said. “However, we certainly have no plans to expand until this business is properly established and trading within our expectations.

“We aim to demonstrate to Jaguar that we can do an exemplary job,” he added.

The new development will give Jaguar a presence in the Watford area for the first time since 2005.

The dealership, previously William Jacks Jaguar, is leased from property firm Gilbran and has been refurbished to bring it in line with the marque’s latest brand identity.

Once completed, the facility will provide 30 jobs, a seven-car showroom, six service bays and room to display 25 used vehicles on site. Dodds hopes to sell 450 units in the first year.

“I’m familiar with the location, and with Jaguar,” said Dodds. “I considered several franchising options, but I am extremely pleased to have been awarded Jaguar. The brand is in the ascendancy and with new models and refreshments it’s going to be desirable.

“When we advertised for the sales manager position we had an enormous response, mainly from other brands and none from other Jaguar dealerships.

“This is a positive indicator of the forward-looking aspect of the brand.”