Howard Garages posts £4.23m profit as sales rise in 2025

Howard Garages Group Ltd reported a pre‑tax profit of £4.23m for the year to December 2025, marginally lower than 2024, yet turnover rose 4% to £223.9m driven by higher new and used car sales. The growth and network expansion are significant for UK dealers seeking similar performance.

Key takeaways

• Pre‑tax profit fell to £4.23m in 2025, down from £4.38m in 2024.
• Turnover increased 4% to £223.9m, boosted by higher vehicle sales.
• New‑car sales rose to 3,662 units; used‑car volumes grew to 6,680.
• The group added Leapmotor and opened two vacant showrooms in Barnstaple.
• Staff turnover fell to 22% and employee count rose to 320.

Financial performance

The accounts show pre‑tax profit of £4.23m, a slight dip from the £4.38m recorded in 2024. Turnover climbed to £223.87m, up 4%, while staff costs rose to £15.85m and directors’ remuneration increased to £902,076.

Cash at bank grew to £8.57m and net assets rose to £33.03m. Ordinary dividends totalled £1m and no further dividend was recommended.

Vehicle sales and brand portfolio

New‑car sales reached 3,662 units, a modest increase on 2024, and used‑car volumes rose 3.4% to 6,680 units, delivering a 2.5% overall volume growth year‑on‑year. The group now operates four Hyundai and Peugeot showrooms, three Citroën‑Kia sites, two each for Suzuki, Vauxhall and Leapmotor, and single sites for Honda, Nissan, Toyota, DS, plus new authorisations for BMW and Mini.

Leapmotor was integrated into existing Stellantis showrooms in Taunton and Weston‑Super‑Mare, expanding the electric‑vehicle offering within the group’s portfolio.

Geographic expansion and facility upgrades

Howard Garages purchased two vacant premises in Barnstaple, Devon, opening Kia Barnstaple in July 2025 and a dedicated Used Car Centre in January 2026 that also serves as an authorised repairer for BMW and Mini.

A substantial refit was completed at the Toyota Weston‑Super‑Mare site, enhancing showroom quality and reinforcing the group’s commitment to high‑standard facilities.

What this means for dealers

The Howard Garages results illustrate that modest profit pressure can be offset by turnover growth through increased vehicle volumes and brand diversification. Adding emerging brands such as Leapmotor and expanding into new geographic markets can boost sales without proportionate cost spikes, a strategy other dealers may consider.

Investing in showroom refurbishments and staff retention also appears to support steady performance, suggesting that a balanced focus on facilities, people and portfolio breadth remains essential for sustainable growth.

Frequently asked questions

How did Howard Garages' turnover change in 2025?

Turnover rose 4% to £223.87m in the 12 months to December 2025, up from £215.9m the previous year, driven mainly by stronger new‑car and used‑car sales.

Which new brands did Howard Garages add to its portfolio in 2025?

The group introduced the Chinese EV brand Leapmotor, integrating it into its existing Stellantis locations, and secured authorisation for BMW and Mini at its new Used Car Centre opened in January 2026.

What impact did the Barnstaple expansion have on the group's operations?

Acquiring two vacant showrooms in Barnstaple allowed Howard Garages to launch a Kia dealership in July 2025 and a dedicated Used Car Centre in January 2026, extending its geographic reach into Devon and adding capacity for additional brand lines.