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Pendragon poised to announce redundancies
02 May 2008
Giant dealer group confirms job consultations are taking place
Pendragon, the UK's largest car dealer group, is poised to announce redundancies as it continues to realign its business structure to cope with worsening market conditions. Chief executive Trevor Finn told Motor Trader that consultations were taking place within the group to assess job roles.
He said he expected some redundancies to follow but denied major job losses across the 370-strong network were imminent. Finn also moved to quash industry rumours that the former Reg Vardy head office in Houghton House, Sunderland and Vardy Contract Motoring, were due to be shutdown. “It's not true. It's just ridiculous speculation,” he said. HAVE YOUR SAY
Comments
Angry says:
I am an employee and although my position is not affected, 5 of my collegues postions are.
Two of these positons will directly affect my job role, stress and eventually my resignation. This redundancy process has to be tailored to individual dealerships. You cannot say all of one job description must go (i.e Vehicle Progressors). As in our dealership ours is a king pin of the business and his loss will be catastrophic.
02 May 2008 11:40:06
ExSenior Employee says:
Take a typical Head Office Pendragon development team structure. Regional Director, Sales Development Leader, F&I Development and Complaince Leader, Aftersales Development Leader and 3 account team leaders. Combine the Sales Development and and F&I role. No Sales No F&I. Trim down the accounts team to one that can do the job as the sales and the F&I (debtors) overlap job functions. It made sence to me when I worked for them.
13 May 2008 14:55:51
tony whittaker says:
It appears leader Finns statement regarding only "a few consultations" is once more proving just a little misleading as the saga now unfolds,the redundancies are gathering momentum as we speak. I wonder if the yes men and the deadwood at fawlty towers ( sorry i mean loxley house !!) will be pruned back hard . lets listen and watch.
x team leader.
07 Jul 2008 16:10:01
P.E.N. Dragon says:
John Muf Ton...
I very much doubt Trevor Finn will put down his decanter to email you - numpty@imtheman.yawn.
Despite your 45 years of obscurity in the motor trade (unless you use a pseudonym) you fail to realise the one critical factor.... Pendragon is a business, and businesses sometimes have to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the masses.
Trevor Finn and his team should be congratulated for recognising difficult market conditions and adapting the business to suit.
The alternative is to stagnate for the next 45 years (we know this happens in the trade).
Pendragon is back on the climb, shares have risen 45% in a little over a month. Volumes are increasing and profitability is rising.
Sure, underperforming sites will always be under pressure, but I speak as a Leader of a site that is out-performing what it ever achieved under its previous ownership.
Onwards and Upwards the Dragon!
Enjoy your retirement.
06 May 2008 09:46:29
wee jocky says:
There are redundancies on massive numbers happening as we speak, do you want them listed?
01 May 2008 16:41:01
Andrew says:
Attn: Spinner - Who said anything about a Parts department being 'profitable'??? And as regards not understanding, I've probably forgotten more than you know, son! If you're going to make derogative comments, READ the subject matter beforehand with your brain in gear!
06 May 2008 14:59:33
Mr Watkins says:
Mmmm only a few consultations "not" My last day tomorrow as a used team leader in a premium brand site which makes money !!! 2 choices go or do twice as much work for the same money with no redundancy package, thats whats coming from Loxley house 10 productives from our site. And theirs not a problem!!!
07 May 2008 10:51:41
afterlife says:
hi i know it might not seem like it at the moment to all of you who have just been made redundant but there is life arter pendragon. Believe me i know as was given a 30 day consultation period by these people on 14th feb 2008 and made redundant on 20th of march 2008. i also was in shock as i had worked for Reg Vardy for 19 years since leaving school, until they (pd)ruined a good firm. I have just started a new job 3 weeks ago and im happy again when i look back now im pleased to be out of the company. I hope it all works out for all of you who need new jobs, you will survive.
07 May 2008 14:37:25
Me! says:
As a team member directly affected by these redundancies it is a kick in the teeth to read that it is 'one or two consultations'. There will be 11 people leaving our dealership and although we may just be numbers to Mr Finn, we are now looking at how we will feed the family and pay the mortgage
06 May 2008 09:46:44
Observer says:
It is incredibly sad that so many people face the struggle of finding alternative employment at such a difficult time economically. I am sure that those who had to make the decisions did not decide on them lightly and that, in the cold light of day, the decision was made with the future of the company, the existing employees and the shareholders in mind. If this action were not taken the company may continue to suffer thus jepordising the future of all existing team members. It is a very difficult situation and I feel it may be unfair to berate those who made these changes.
27 May 2008 12:43:20
keith brazier says:
Some very interesting articles my thoughts are if the directors are so incompetent surely the detractors could make a fortune by selling the stock short
04 Jun 2008 10:29:31
benny says:
Look at Vardys pre tax profits prior of purchase, now look at Pendragons?
Each dealer needs a GM. Accountant and receptionists get rid of these and you will lose turnover quickly. You need to look at the top heavy middle management. The old story of too many chiefs and not enough Indians
12 May 2008 13:28:08
Andrew says:
Attn: John M Ufton - Quite a statement you've made. You really out to check out the subject matter before posting comments..Pendragon's business model currently has a distinct lack of 'telephone receptionists' as 1 receptionists covers several dealerships from one location - head office. Area directors, given the scale of Pendragon, are necessary to maintain the daily controls of their operations. DP's or Team Leaders drive the business on a day to day basis ALL DEPARTMENTS. How is a sharp, experienced Sales Manager or Sales Controller and an equally talented Business Manager supposed to 'run' a busy After Sales department, a Body Shop and a busy Parts Department as well as deal with the general administration? As for the 'acountants'you refer to, again you misunderstand, there are very few Pendragon sites that host an accountant. As regards Trevor Finn and the rest of the board, I'm sure they know what needs to be done and how to go about it! - No, I'm not an employee of the group.
02 May 2008 08:36:03
vardy fan says:
the best thing about the vardy take over was the ex vardy area managers pushed a pay rise through in 2006 the first weve had in 12yrs (sadly not back dated to inlfation rtaes)and still every oct slips below min wage
06 May 2008 09:46:54
steve says:
asa former pendragon parts team leader not manager to expensive. the writing has been on the wall for so long. lets hope all the team membes will getnew jobs a real dealerships like i have done. this group have just caused evan more problems to the ecomomey. i had to great yaers as parts manager with bramall but pg almost wrote me off. how many more times will they change direction
02 May 2008 08:36:10
Spinner says:
Andrew were do you get off, most of the so called profitabel parts departments you talk about below are being closed, so dont make comments on things you dont understand!!
Andrew says:
Attn: John M Ufton - Quite a statement you've made. You really out to check out the subject matter before posting comments..Pendragon's business model currently has a distinct lack of 'telephone receptionists' as 1 receptionists covers several dealerships from one location - head office. Area directors, given the scale of Pendragon, are necessary to maintain the daily controls of their operations. DP's or Team Leaders drive the business on a day to day basis ALL DEPARTMENTS. How is a sharp, experienced Sales Manager or Sales Controller and an equally talented Business Manager supposed to 'run' a busy After Sales department, a Body Shop and a busy Parts Department as well as deal with the general administration? As for the 'acountants'you refer to, again you misunderstand, there are very few Pendragon sites that host an accountant. As regards Trevor Finn and the rest of the board, I'm sure they know what needs to be done and how to go about it! - No, I'm not an employee of the group.
06 May 2008 09:46:47
Matt Morgan says:
Jon Gufton, are you serious. Do you understand the business of which you critic? For all your years at the sharp end you seem to have learnt nothing. I might add that as you have sold cars throughout the notorious unregulated and cowboy years in the history of our industry that I expect nothing less from an old school has been who clearly has no concept of a modern retail facility in todyays market. Pendragon is finding times hard and have made difficult decisions that result in people losing their job's, thery are not the only company to have done this. Good luck Gufton and goodnight.
13 May 2008 14:55:53
Andrew says:
Attn: 'Angry' - Sorry to hear about your loss of staff (Vehicle Progressor). These are pretty tough times and what you need to bare in mind, dealerships moving some considerable volumes ran perfectly well before the days of 'Progressors'. It's probably not what you want to hear but, in times like this and as a professional, which I'm sure you are, you have to diversify, adopt new procedures to ensure the business moves forward and that you continue to deliver an efficient service to your customers. You might not think so right now, but you will overcome it. Best wishes.
02 May 2008 15:28:34
Alan says:
Not in the trade, not a share holder but a humble Fiesta owner. At present if I have a problem I can ring my local agent and get immediate attention,ie someone to look at my problem and in most cases get it fixed there and then. Yes I do have regular appointments but the personal attention wins every time. Who will I ring in future, Birmingham, Burnley or Bombay? Sorry Pendragon ask me if my next car will be from you? Yes I am due a new one.
06 May 2008 09:47:43
Leaving in the AM says:
I am affected by all the cuts and quite glad to get away!! However is it normal to only be given 10 days notice?
08 May 2008 15:05:46
Arthur Daley says:
Hey Mr Ufton if Trevor Finn has to realise what his 'ship' is, does that mean you do too? I reckon your ship is a tanker and the Captain is a.....well respected nautical expert :OP
13 May 2008 14:55:48
tony whittaker says:
So mr.Finns statement of a few weeks ago with regard to "a few consultations are taking place" has resulted in just HOW MANY REDUNDANCIES?. All seems to have been executed with cunning and stealth, does anyone have the numbers , it would be interesting to see if once again pendragon have been economical with the truth!!!!!
08 Jul 2008 10:14:30
annom says:
I work at a branch, Ive heard 2000 jobs to go, Yet as a previous comment said get rid off the "area managers" that do not earn this company a penny !
02 May 2008 08:36:09
annonimous says:
There are probably 2500 jobs to go if you have knowledge of the full scale consultations. Yes the two head offices are top go!!
01 May 2008 16:40:29
Arthur Daley says:
John M Ufton...Legend in his own lunchtime..Rebel without a clue!
Keep up the good work John...Oh and my car needs a valet too ;O)
21 May 2008 13:24:07
motormanager says:
I remember John Ufton. If it is who I think it is he was an outstanding salesman. Left a Suzuki delaer in Chesterfield and became big hitting salesman at Lancaster Mercedes in Sheffield. As a salesman he was a consumate professional. Not sure what he went on to do though.
06 May 2008 09:46:59
Insidethepdg says:
The redundencies have come from a trimming of the business. The positions are alot more than advertised but they mainly stem from aquired dealerships which notoriously run more team members then needed. Its sad to see people redundent but it is the way the whole industry is going and the focus will always be on pendragon because of there size
08 May 2008 09:13:41
Matt Morgan says:
John M.Ufton, great post, how on earth has Mr Finn got where he is today with competition like you around!!
I hope when I have completed 45 years at the sharp end, i'm as smart as you.
If only Pendragon knew that accountants and sales managers were going to destroy the company.
02 May 2008 08:36:08
Mr Watkins says:
Finished at the Dragon today after my 10 day period of waiting to be shot! and on my way home find out they are recruiting at Mercedes Benz within group for Sales leaders however my thoughts were same crap different flags.
Glad to be out good luck to any other ex-Dragon employees never again.
15 May 2008 12:40:07
John M.Ufton says:
Andrew Hi,
I have read your response to my comments and to formslly close this correspondence all I can say of your experiance and knowledge of the retail motor trade, then "significant shareholdings in the industry just about sums up your very own expertise. Your money would earn you more in the Post Office.
08 May 2008 09:13:43
Lower than low says:
I am a Team Leader who is also involved in this current mess.I was on leave celebrating the arrival of a new baby only to receive a phone call to ask me to go in as my D.P. needed to discuss redundancy consultation with me last week. What am i going to do now, Expensive mortgage and another mouth to feed.
07 May 2008 10:51:47
pirate says:
So John M Ufton what salary would you be seeking from Pendragon, with your 45 years of experience in the motor industry? £80,000+? If it's considerably less then this amount then what have you really achieved during those 45 years in the industry? Redundancies are never an easy matter, but difficult times demand difficult measures, but it's an arrogant person who thinks he has all the answers when he's not even directly involved. So maybe with all that experience you have in the motor industry you could suggest, or create ways, of finding work for the numerous people who it seems have lost their jobs - now that would truly show your creative ability.
02 May 2008 08:36:07
tony whitaker says:
and so it begins !!! the speculation has proved to be spot on , whilst finn and his cronies line thier pockets the lowly team members get paid by losing thier jobs. sooner jack gets a grip of this sorry state of affairs the better for all . just glad im an x team leader.
02 May 2008 08:36:08
Ex RV Employee says:
Can Mr Ufton explain why Reg Vardy was the most profitable Motor Trade business prior to it been Taken Over. With each Dealership having its own Accountant and support staff. Its not what you do ITS SIMPLY HOW YOU DO IT.
02 May 2008 10:01:47
Andrew says:
Attn: John M. Ufton, thankyou for your astute analysis..You should forget all about giving Trevor F. advice, you should run for Chancellor of the Exchequer! - (You'll need to brush-up on your grammer though)
15 May 2008 12:39:57
Miss D S Pointed says:
I have heard today that over 2000 job losses and some are taking place, plus the mas exodus of staff
who are too frightened to stay, a couple of consultations is FAR FROM THE TRUTH. How is an employer allowed to treat there staff in this way
07 Jul 2008 16:09:23
John M.Ufton says:
My, My, What a stir I seem to have caused. Could this be because I just may have hit the nail well on the head and bared a few nerve ends.
May I first point out that I write under my own name. I have no need for anonimity.
Quite right I will not be holding my breath for an email from Trevor Finn, I would imagine that he has much more on his mind at this time.
Andrew, are you certain that you are not an employee of Pendragon after all you seem awfully well versed in how they operate.To ex RV man perhaps it was the fact that RV was so profitable and well run that first brought it to the attention of Mr. Finn.
Pirate to give you the answer I just know you dont want to hear, I will offer my services has high executioner to Mr. Finn for free! but be assured that no one on vehicle sales, new or used. no Service or Parts Manager and their respective staff will be on my list.
To Matt Morgan no I am not in competition in any way with Pendragon and yes the axe would fall on every person involved in middle and upper management who was deemed non- productive but to reiterate NOT Service and Parts Management. I can hear the pips sqeaking already because the irony in all this is the very fact that the "jobsworths" actually know who they are and recognise themselves.
To Silver Mist mmmm! arrogance. You know better. I tell it as it is and you may do well to appreciate this fact.I agree that Pendragon going under will do this industry no good whatsoever, but to survive in todays climate it MUST throw overboard all the useless ballast.Fromm here on in Captain Trevor Finn has to realise that his ship is a battleship and not a cruise ship.
I rest my case.
06 May 2008 09:46:46
Andrew says:
John M Ufton, regarding your last posting referring to myself..I can assure you that I don't work for Pendragon or any other motor group. Although I am an ex DP, I hold significant shares in a number of dealer groups and its by business to know exactly how they operate. I'm also the Chairman of my own company and not wishing to come across as arrogant, I like to think I know my stuff when it comes to the motor industry. Regards.
07 May 2008 10:51:32
John M.Ufton says:
So Trevor Finn has finally woken up and had a good smell of the coffee.The real problem he faces of course is from the staff he employs who dont actually "sell" anything and therefore do not contribute one penny to the profits of Pendragon.
Let us start at the top shall we with the "Area Directors" followed very swiftly by the "Dealership Principals" and then the Sales Managers.
I am not stupid enough not to realise that in every business you need staff that seemingly are non-productive but by this I mean administrators and the switchboard operators, not people on salaries of £80,000, plus company cars plus perks.
Todays modern car dealerships need a very good sales controller who is qualified in new and used car marketing, backed up by a very good business manager. The rest of the pecking order of jobsworths you can forget because trust me Mr. Finn on this, within three months you will not miss them at all.
Just multiply the salaries by the people concerned,add employment costs etc. and before you hit the total button go across to your decanter and pour yourself a very large scotch.
Next up for the axe ought to be all dealership "accountants".One per branch usually on say upwards of £35000 per year, company car, five day week,no idea what the word target means, and pressure,what pressure?
Mr Finn this is just a start to bringing your profits back into line to satisfy you and your shareholders.Do you have the nerve to see it all through?
If you need any help with this then please feel free to contact Motor Trader. They have my permission to give you my e.mail address.
You may like to ask what my qualifications are.Simple, 45 years at the sharp end of the retail motor industry.
01 May 2008 15:37:09
Mike Hunt says:
I Wonder what the manufacturers think of all this ????? Could we see some termination notices moving into effect
06 May 2008 09:46:50
silver mist says:
I am amazed at Mr Uftons complete arrogance. Pendragon are a group in trouble, if they collapse, we, the uk motor trade, are also in trouble. I don't work for Pendragon anymore but I am in contact with a number of Pendragon Dealer Principals. Pendragon WILL recover,and if Mr Ufton is as smart as he thinks then I can only assume he has purchased a shed load of shares because they will hit 75p by the end of May.
Silver Mist
02 May 2008 11:40:17
James Ellis says:
As an employee of Pendragon PLC and under threat of redundancy, I can confirm there are 11 people under consultation with 8 possible redundacies. It is also nice to see Mr Tony Whitaker, my old boss, escaped the dragons grip!
02 May 2008 11:40:11
chrisy boy says:
i have worked for pendrsgon for 8 years and was in a vauxhall site in airdrie in scotland. The site was ok when i first started and i loved my job. As the site was run down for so many years me and my fellow work mates often had to work in up to 3 inches of water if it rained. Finaly they shut the site down in september and i was placed in a ford garage where I have been since. Now we have been told there will be redundancies and we are actually now nearing the end of the consultation period. The pressure on me has been so intence as I have two children under two! I now plan to leave the company as I have totally lost heart in my job and no longer feel I have any job security.
07 May 2008 10:51:35
wain cur says:
I work at a pendragon site that is making good money,and we are loosing over 10 staff but those loyal staff that are left feel there jobs could be under the spot light at a later date , so a lot of them are looking for out any way . will we recover from loosing these key people , i don't think so.
08 May 2008 15:05:40
mr c ollocks says:
The problem with pendragon is that they come up with all wonderful ideas how to promote used car sales and all the hours of reasearch that goes into this they shouldnt be making people redundant they should be employing people to do the reasearch this will let the managers to do there jobs affectively!!!! And also they should stop recruiting graduates who havent got a clue around about the world or work as they have been wrapped up in the fluffy world of university!!!!!
02 May 2008 15:28:34
Arthur Daley says:
Staggering Mr Ufton, simply staggering!
And which petrol forecourt did you say you worked at?
06 May 2008 09:47:39
EX SENIOR EMPLOYEE says:
For all the potential team leaders/members maybe your eyes will finally open and realise the true value of yourself outside the Pendragon World. I went through this a year ago and came out much better the other side working for a privately owned chain of dealerships. Take your knowledge and skills and apply it to good use in a company/dealer that will cherish your knowlege gained working for a large PLC. The fundamental glue in any orginisation is the quality of their people. This is sorely overlooked by Pendragon. I wish you all well and all is not lost!!!!
02 May 2008 11:40:09
Lancaster employee says:
You are right John Ufton got to the dizzy heights of a car sales executive in the peak of Mercedes Benz profitability and retired so he must know what he is talking about having managed such a large team as himself
06 May 2008 14:59:54
Adrian Gotsby says:
It has been mentioned that one site may be loosing 12 team members, so "one or two consultations" seems to be playing down the subject somewhat.
01 May 2008 15:37:06
Anon says:
I know that Pendragon are recruiting at the moment and are looking for a Business Manager in the North East, they say that they wont put a Sales Manager in that post because 'the number of sales does not justify it', When will these people wake up and realize that without a strong Sales Manager or controller it cant work. What happens when the BM is on a day off or on Holiday? I can tell you very little! That is because most sales execs need controlling (this comes from someone who worked as a sales exec for 8 years and has also been a controller and sales manager). Dont think that just reducing costs will save the business, if you lose key controlling team members your ppu, finance pen, GAP pen, and finance ppu will all go south and accelerate the problem
13 May 2008 14:55:59
Arthur Daley says:
Mr Ufton let me look at one of your recent inspiring comments...
Your money would earn more in the post office...
Did you get Jack Petchey into the position he finds himself in today? What with you having such an indepth knowledge of all things motor industry....
You really are staggeringly inept and increasingly making yourself look like the chump most people saw you for along time ago!
Keep up the good work!
23 May 2008 14:19:24
Ex Pendragon BM says:
The axe had already fallen before the article was published. How can this company be so economical with the truth? But there agin, why alter the habits of a lifetime?
07 Jul 2008 15:36:35
Johno says:
John M Ufton
For somebody at the sharpe end for 45 years you've kept yourself well hid nobody's even heard of you.So I don't think Mr Finn will be taking much notice hope your not waiting for the email!!
02 May 2008 11:40:14
The Hatchet says:
One day people will realise that the Accountant's are just about the only people with a professional education in the whole group (or probably any education - meowww). Most DP's are sales execs that just got lucky. (note - most, not all). This is probably why the DP's are not allowed to make ANY decisions, that's what the regional teams do! So why not lose all the DP's and let the accountant's run the show at dealership level!!! I think that's quite a good saving with 300+ sites @ 70k a piece. Just a thought.....
06 May 2008 09:47:20
P.E.N. Dragon says:
Jonny Mufton
Unbelievable... 21 written lines and not a valid, constructive or worthwhile comment amongst them!
As you appear to have spent your entire career as a Salesman, you obviously are not qualified to comment on the ativities of middle management.
There are many good Salesmen out there that at some stage in their career will be given the opportunity at "middle management". Will this make them bad people that warrant being jettisoned when times get tough.
The alternative is they take the "Safe Option" and remain a salesman throughout their career. This will not make them lesser people, it will simply proclude them from having a valid opinion on what midlle management is all about.
08 May 2008 09:13:45
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