F&I Management & Training

"Better, not bigger, as family business puts customers’ needs at top of its priorities."

Three years ago Marshall Motor Group chief executive Roger Knight told AM about his plans to expand the regional group further afield. “We will go anywhere in the UK with the right franchise – that’s a new position for us,” he said. That move didn’t happen. 

Although the company expanded, it stayed firmly rooted in the east of England. With Knight now retired, Robert Marshall, great grandson of Marshall founder David and son of current chairman Michael, has no plans to fulfil Knight’s aspirations. 

“When I came into the business two years ago we had undergone a period of acquisition and we needed to implement a better regional structure,” Marshall says.

“We decided on the mantra ‘get better, not bigger’, which is all about margins and process, not expanding.”

His focus is on a back to basics strategy with the company recognising and celebrating its strengths as an owner-driver business that aims to satisfy customers in its five core market areas – Cambridge, Peterborough, Suffolk, Herts/Beds (through the Lisles acquisition last year) and east Midlands (via TMS). Building the brand is a key element.

He won’t reveal details of his successor yet, other than to say the person has been chosen for their ambition.

“I want someone who will kick us into the next stage of motor history. I expect the appointment will raise some eyebrows.”

DATED: 27.10.08

FEED: AM