John Martin ready to move forward  13 | 08 | 2010

JOHN MARTIN boss Gordon Nisbet believes the Edinburgh-based dealership group is leaner and well-prepared to move forward despite, what he believes, is a threat by the Government to sales as a result of the increase in VAT to 20%. Nisbett's comments came after the group delivered improved annual figures which showed a pre-tax loss of £728,000 in 2009 following a deficit of £3.92 million in 2008.

The group — which represents a diverse selection of manufacturers including Kia, Hyundai, Suzuki, Mazda, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce — also showed an increase in turnover, up from £141.78m in 2008 to £146.79m last year.

"I feel very positive about the future," the managing director admitted. "We had a hard time two years ago but we've restructured, cut overheads, sold garages and made budget cuts. "September is looking good for us and while the Government are certainly not helping the trade by increasing VAT and the second six months of the year could be tougher than the first six months, I still feel upbeat."

One of the dealerships JMG sold was its prominent Vauxhall and Chevrolet outlet at Belmont in Aberdeen. Following the sale in July to Peter Vardy, JMG is now developing a former car storage site at nearby Kemnay. Nisbet confirmed the plan was to establish new dealerships.

"We are talking to some manufacturers, but I'm not prepared to say who they may be at this time," he said, "but we are currently working on the premises and showroom areas."