Lookers has transformed its Manchester headquarters into a new ‘collaboration hub’ for all employees.

The specifically designed flexible workspace features creative hubs, private spaces and onsite café – ‘The Pit Stop’ – to reflect a new, more modern way of working,

A new Mini Electric has been added to the open reception space and 12 new electric charging points have been added in the car park for employee and visitor use.

Chris Whitaker, Lookers’ chief people officer, said: “We wanted a new space that accurately reflects Lookers’ culture and ethos and who we are today – an ambitious, technology-driven, forward-thinking business.

"During the pandemic, we seamlessly adapted to working from home and now we are adapting yet again, but in a much more flexible way that supports our Hybrid Working Policy, and which provides our central functions with flexibility in where they work, interact and meet and greet their colleagues and guests.”

Lookers has posted a record pre-tax profit of £90.1 million after navigating challenging new car supplies and trading on strong used car margins.

In a recent interview with AM, Lookers chief executive Mark Raban said he is poised to “try something different” with the AM100 group's newly-mapped growth strategy.

The new hub is based in Timperley, Altrincham in Greater Manchester and spread over 2,000 square metres (21,000 square feet) across three floors.

Andy Garrett, chief information officer, said: “Our new-look head office supports modern workplace wellbeing, enhanced productivity and flexibility for every employee and reflects the company’s ethos and its people-first policy.

“We have made an important investment in technology to ensure we have a bright, collaborative, and spacious working space, enabled wireless connectivity and a tech bar to help our colleagues with any IT support onsite.

“This also underpins our commitment to ongoing transformation, to innovation and to our commitment to ensuring Lookers retains its position as one of the UK and Ireland’s top employers.”

Lookers recently completed the sale and leaseback of its freehold Volkswagen car dealership property in Battersea for £28 million.

Lookers said recently embarked on one of its largest recruitment drives for a generation, with almost 600 roles available nationwide in sales, aftersales and support functions.

It also recently launched ‘Jump Start’, a programme designed for those keen to carve out a career in the UK motor industry, appealing to individuals of all ages with previous experience in a customer-facing role.