Award-winning independent car dealer Angus MacKinnon has died following a short illness, aged 70.

MacKinnon, the founder of the Staffordshire-based Angus MacKinnon Ltd was described as being “highly respected throughout the motor trade” and “a much-loved member of the community” as tribute was paid to him today (May 19)

The industry veteran used car trader passed away on May 12.

Speaking about his father Stuart MacKinnon, managing director, said: “Dad was well known and highly respected throughout the motor trade, local businesses and was a much-loved member of the community in Uttoxeter and the surrounding towns.

“I worked alongside Dad for many years, sharing an office with him and learning so much about the motor trade and how to provide the best customer service.

“One of his proudest moments was winning Auto Trader’s Retailer of the Year Award last year, beating competition from over 13,500 dealerships nationwide.

He added: “Dad will be sadly missed by so many people, but we intend to carry on his legacy and continue to deliver our award-winning service to all our customers.”

MacKinnon opened his business in 1975 renting a single-bay garage next to a petrol station, growing it into a thriving used car dealership big enough to display over 100 vehicles and an accredited Bosch Service Centre.

MacKinnon ran the family business for almost 45 years and saw his loyal customer following grow from its base on Uttoxeter’s Derby Road to serve car buyers across Derby, Burton Upon Trent, Stoke on Trent, Loughborough and Leicester.

The business was awarded Auto Trader’s most prestigious Retailer of the Year Award in 2019.

Paying tribute to MacKinnon this week, Umesh Samani, chairman of the Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA), said: “Angus MacKinnon was a pillar of the community who was well respected and showed others that hard work and a passion to be the best in the industry can be achieved.

“It’s been a pleasure to have known Angus over the years; he was a legend who will be sorely missed.”