While many traders have been satisfied just to survive the economic downturn, Mazda dealer Lodge Garage in Buckinghamshire has doubled sales and turnover.

Floyd Timms, a former national sales manager for Mazda, bought the 30-year-old business in rural Kingswood in 2009 and quickly transformed it into one of Mazda's top performing dealerships.

He commented: “I was looking for an owner driver business that required some attention and had potential.

“We are now approaching our fourth year and have seen sales and turnover double. Our profits are well on the way to doubling as well.

“There have been challenges, particularly in my early days while we were waiting for new product to come through. With the arrival of the new CX-5 last year and Mazda6 this year we are in a good position to push on.

“The internet plays a big part, particularly in used car sales, and we attract customers from Land's End to John O'Groats.”