Benfield boss awarded OBE

Mark Squires, former chief executive of Benfield Motor Group, has been appointed chairman of the National Franchised Dealers Association.

Mark Squires, former Benfield Motors chief executive, has returned to a family business after joining the architecture practice co-founded by his wife.

Benfield has seen its turnover rise to £547 million and profits almost treble in the year it was acquired by Lookers in an £87 million deal.

Four industry leaders and winners at the 2016 AM Awards were questioned about their plans to build on their success, the impact of winning, future aspirations and maintaining momentum, the factors behind success - and in one case the reasons behind the decision to sell their business.

The re-naming of Benfield, the North East dealer group, bought by Lookers in September 2015 has started.