This dealer group works extremely hard to recruit the most appropriate people and instil the right culture in the workforce.

The AM Awards judges were impressed by this young business, formed in 2017 through acquisition of Volvo franchises for Reading, Newbury, Oxford and Swindon. Waylands Automotive is already in the top quartile of Volvo’s dealer network for profitability and individuals within its businesses have already won several quarterly awards from the Swedish brand for their performance.

Under the leadership of former Ridgeway chief executive John O’Hanlon, this four-site dealer group has a winning ethos – staff are highly valued and have the tools they need to do their jobs well, customers get the right experience and the business tackles challenges head-on and celebrates everyone’s successes.

The judges agreed with Waylands’ entry that it is run like a larger organisation in terms of the controls and processes, such as daily management information and weekly stock control, forecasting and working capital meetings, yet O’Hanlon allows and encourages an entrepreneurial approach from each of the dealerships.

“Staff are encouraged to work for the good of the company as well as the customer and there is a genuine focus on family, respect and values,” said Waylands’ submission.

“Directors see all staff regularly, visiting one site per day. Face-to-face time is key to understanding the challenges experienced by the team.”

Profitability and sales continue to grow, and Waylands is investing accordingly. Volvo corporate identity upgrades are ensuring staff have a modern, well-planned workplace with refreshed IT for everyone. A small aftersales contact centre was added in 2019 and is set to expand into sales contact also in 2020. And its marketing manager has quickly established Waylands’ presence online and in social media and is investing in building the brand.

The judges agreed this is already a strong business and there is yet more growth to come.

Finalists: Cartime, Rygor, Waylands Automotive

Award sponsored by: Diamondbrite Automotive