John Clark turnover hits £703m 02 | 10 | 2017
JOHN CLARK MOTOR GROUP has reported a 5% increase in turnover to £703 million. The figure marks a near-50% growth over the last five years. Profit before tax dipped to just over £8.2m from £9.1m the year before. (Related: Renault returns to Scots city with John Clark)
The latest figures, covering 2016, show the group’s earnings as a percentage of sales remained above the UK motor trade national average, despite what it called, the “volatile market conditions”.
The Aberdeen-based family group — which operates a host of major brands including Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mini and Volkswagen across showroom sites in Aberdeen, Cupar, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Elgin, Kirkcaldy and Perth. — saw sales of new and used reached record highs. New unit sales volumes rose by 4% to 14,712, while used volumes grew by 10% to 13,062.
Over the course of the last five years, turnover has grown by 98%, with operating profit up 81%. During 12 months, the number of people employed in the group rose by 6% to 1206 on the back of new Dacia, Peugeot and Renault franchises, as well as some increases in head office staff.
“The group’s primary aim in 2016 was to see consolidated growth from expansion in prior years and, despite the continued downturn in the North Sea oil industry and resultant impact on the Grampian region, to maintain positive momentum towards our key strategic objectives,” chairman John Clark said.
“We continued to focus on developing and extending the relationships with our existing franchise partners in the north, east and Central Belt of Scotland, as well as to consider potential opportunities which were presented to us by others and lead us to open Peugeot, Renault and Dacia in Aberdeen.
“We recognise that the wider outlook for 2017 is one of ongoing political uncertainty, with a stable but fragile economy. The market remains challenging and April brought added overhead costs in the form of a notable commercial property rates increase and the introduction of the apprenticeship levy.
“However, our mid-year management accounts show 7% further growth in turnover and our net profits are ahead of both budget and prior year comparatives.”
According to Clark, the group’s finances are in “good shape” and he said it was well placed to “pursue further opportunities”.
Group managing director Chris Clark (above) added: “Another area that saw considerable investment was property, with the completion of our Dundee Audi and Volkswagen Aberdeen showroom refurbishments.
“2017 has, and will, continue to see a focus on property as we will open an all new state-of-the-art Pentland Jaguar Land Rover dealership at Fort Kinnaird in October, which is designed to service customers that live east of Edinburgh city.
“Furthermore, we have recently started work in Dundee for the relocation of John Clark BMW, Mini and Motorrad, as well as a brand new Jaguar and Land Rover dealership.”
Related: John Clark expands portfolio
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Jim McGill