Wales’ leading motor group has proved it is driving in top gear, after celebrating 70 years in the business.
The family-owned Sinclair Group, which sells more than 15,000 cars a year, has a turnover of £326 million and a 750 strong workforce, reached its landmark anniversary in September 2015.
With 20 dealerships and the franchises for Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Skoda, SEAT and Smart, the current chairman – and son of the Group’s founder – Gerald Sinclair, always knew he wanted to have a chain of dealerships across South Wales.
He said: “It’s hard to say where the ambition came from, but it was always there and I am immensely proud of where we are today.
“We have always invested in the business and our people to make sure we can deliver an excellent service to our valued customers and I truly believe this has led to our success.”
In addition to the Sinclair franchise portfolio, the motor group also offers Sinclair Direct, specialising in approved used vehicles, a new Approved Used Centre in Swansea, SinclairFinance and Leasing services and manages two automotive bodyshop businesses.
As part of the company’s celebration, the Sinclair Group has launched a competition to win a once in a lifetime prize for the overall winner and his or her entire class. The lucky classmates will have the chance to take part in a training session with the Welsh Rugby Union squad in November. To win the exciting prize local school children have been invited to paint or draw their vision of how cars built in 2085 – 70 years from now – will look.
“This is not just my celebration,” said Gerald, “The business could never be where it is today without my team and customers so we are delighted to be working with the community to make our anniversary even more special.”
Gerald is now supported in the business by his two sons, managing director Andrew and director Jonathan.
And there is real optimism in the business for future development and growth.
Gerald added: “I think in 70 years’ time, we will be even bigger with my sons and hopefully their children helping to steer the business forward.”
“I have a superb team in place and wonderful family so I know the Sinclair Group will continue to be a strong driving force in both employment and performance for many years to come.”