The Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) has welcomed two new but familiar faces onto its committee.
The joiners are Sandy Burgess, former chief executive of the Scottish Motor Traders Association, and Allan Thompson of County Garage Ford, who is chairman of the National Ford Retail Dealers Association (NFRDA), which has represented many of the dozens of small to medium Ford retail dealerships that have been terminated by the car brand recently as it shrinks its franchised network to a more sustainable level after its share of the new car market reduced.
Umesh Samani, chairman of the IMDA, said: “Both Allan and Sandy will be a fantastic addition to the IMDA committee and highlights the strength and growth of the association since its formation in 2017.”
The Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) has welcomed two new but familiar faces onto its committee.
The joiners are Sandy Burgess, former chief executive of the Scottish Motor Traders Association, and Allan Thompson of County Garage Ford, who is chairman of the National Ford Retail Dealers Association (NFRDA), which has represented many of the dozens of small to medium Ford retail dealerships that have been terminated by the car brand recently as it shrinks its franchised network to a more sustainable level after its share of the new car market reduced.
Umesh Samani, chairman of the IMDA, said: “Both Allan and Sandy will be a fantastic addition to the IMDA committee and highlights the strength and growth of the association since its formation in 2017.”
Thompson is a fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and has a Masters degree in retail automotive master from Loughborough University.
He said: “In 2024, the NFRDA saw the huge benefits the IMDA could offer, and we were delighted to bring 100 new members to the IMDA.
“All of us at the IMDA and NFRDA share a common goal – assisting independent and family run dealerships by remaining competitive and putting customers at the heart of everything we do. With the industry undergoing rapid transformation, I look forward to strengthening our collaboration and helping support fellow dealers.”
Burgess has been in the automotive industry for over 50 years and from 2015 to 2024 was chief executive of the SMTA, representing more than 1,450 members. In that role he experienced working with government departments, stakeholders, shareholders, membership owners and investors across all business models, ranging from vehicle manufacturers to not for profit organisations.
He said: “I wanted to join the IMDA as I have watched on from the sidelines over the years since the IMDA was formed and quickly realised that the offer made by the IMDA actually suited my very small but fiercely independent used car site to a tee!
“With my background I was always going to struggle to be part of any other trade associations with which I had many years of experience at the highest levels, so the fresh and unencumbered opportunity that presented itself with IMDA membership was the perfect fit.”
“My thoughts have always been that there is safety in numbers and trade associations are without any doubt in my mind the very best solution for independents be they franchised or not, being alone in this industry is tough and indeed I would argue, potentially dangerous! With the strength of national representation, the IMDA offers a member, he/she can be more confident in delivering a better outcome for their clients, their staff and of course their business.
“As I have had many years in the industry (maybe too many some say) and as a result of these years I have amassed significant experiences and maybe even the odd piece of wisdom, therefore, I feel that I have something to offer back to the sector, and the opportunity to become involved with the IMDA committee structure gives me a platform on which deliver any such wisdom.”
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