Camden Motors has a strategy for sustainable growth across its businesses.

Chief executive Paul Dunkley said the privately-owned AM100 top-10 group has a war chest ready to fund growth through acquisitions, as well as through business improvements.

“We have the financial strength to expand when and where we see the right opportunity,” said Dunkley. “We’re growing by acquisition and organically, but it is quality growth.”

Earlier this year Camden bought a Ford dealership in Bath and last year acquired a Ford dealership in Swindon.

Dunkley hinted that the company was working on a couple of targets at present, but would only say to expect announcements in due course. Further additions to the dealership portfolio would be in line with Camden’s existing geographical positioning – its 18 outlets span from Coventry and Solihull in the Midlands to Romford in the east and Bath in the west.

Growth is also coming from outside its franchised dealer business. In April its car supermarket chain, The Car Shop, opened its third site in Swindon. Its other sites are in Northampton and Cardiff. All are on large sites stocking more than 1,000 cars and all are profitable, said Dunkley.

“That business is long-term. As long as it shows potential we will continue to invest. Used car supermarkets are a particular skill, so management has to be highly focused.”