Michael Breen, Motor Nation operations director, told Motor Trader he expected the site to sell around 1,800 units per year, and was in discussions to open further sites.

“We are looking to expand. We envisage that Doncaster will be the first of a number of new businesses under the Bristol Street Motor Nation banner.”

Breen explained that the supermarket business was crucial for Vertu because it allowed the group to move in to geographical territories where manufacturers were not ready to authorise opening franchised dealerships. “We can expand into areas where there are no open points from manufacturers. Doncaster is a prime example of this,” he said. The new management team in Doncaster consists of experienced Dixons employees.

Meanwhile, Vertu Motor's regional Honda division has been awarded the Large Employer of the Year Apprenticeship award at the Lincolnshire and Retford work-based learning awards. Lincolnshire Honda's programme to develop technician apprentices at the business's four outlets in Lincoln, Grantham, Retford and Boston was recognised by the awards, which acknowledge employers' commitment to the development of young people. “The development of young people into qualified, motivated technicians is vital to the long term success of our business,” said Gavin Drakes, Lincolnshire Honda's aftersales director. Vertu has appointed Paul Bricknell as new general manager to lead the Lincoln Honda dealership. Bricknell has worked for Quicks, Astle BMW and Dixons and started his career at the Lincolnshire dealership.