A MOTOR group has celebrated 60 years of being in business and its most successful year to date. 

Snows held its annual conference at the Hilton Ageas Bowl in West End, where it welcomed more than 130 members of staff to the event focusing on industry insights, analysis and performance.

After starting as an office supplies business in 1962, Snows first moved into its current sector when then owner, the late Geoff Snow, invested in the motor trade in 1979. 

Now, 60 years later, it remains a family-run business and has a network of over 48 dealerships, representing 19 brands and employing nearly 1,000 people. 

Group Chairman and CEO Stephen Snow said: “Last year, as a group we sold a car every 26 minutes.

"In addition, we saw staggering results from our aftersales departments, which sold enough hours to travel to the moon and back 1,242 times, all against a backdrop of huge diversity imposed by the Covid pandemic.

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“What an incredible achievement and proof that even in uncertain times, good foundations, great people and teamwork pay off.” 

The theme of this year’s conference was Fit For The Future and Snows’ department directors presented around key themes of retention, recruitment, digital landscape, consumer ownership and expectations and the automotive future.

Guest speakers for the conference were Tim Smith of GForces, Phil Stubbs of Keyloop and Catherine Faires from AutoTrader.

Mark Roden, Director of Operations at Toyota GB, also spoke. This held a particular significance for the company as St James Toyota Centre in Southampton was Snows' first investment.

Stephen Snow told the audience: “My father Geoff would be incredibly proud to see where the business is today.

"Sheer willpower, determination, teamwork and the ability to adapt and take risks when needed are what makes up the Snows Driving Spirit.”

Snows Driving Spirit was also recognised in this year’s annual awards for top-performing Manager, Dealership and Customer Service.

The three finalists for this year’s Dealership of the Year award were Snows Peugeot Basingstoke, Snows Toyota Southampton and Snows Volvo Winchester, with Snows Volvo Winchester taking the crown.

Special recognition awards were given to Dan Bush and the team at Snows Accident Repair Centre (SARC) for their 100 per cent five star Google review score.

Jon Oakley of Snows Lexus Hedge End came top of the Online Reputation table in 2021 with a score of 865.