Colleagues from Hendy in Dorset have been honoured at the company’s Group Awards which also marked 160 years in business.

For the first time, the automotive group combined its sales and aftersales awards into one event.

More than 1,200 employees were entertained in style at the Bournemouth International Centre by host, former rugby player and TV personality Matt Dawson.

Awards were presented to colleagues from across the business which has more than 20 franchises and employs over 2,000 people in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Devon.

Last year Hendy sold more than 56,000 vehicles.

Paul Hendy, Chief Executive, said he was extremely proud of the contribution everyone made to the success of the company.

He added: “2019 was a real milestone for Hendy with 160 years in business, the acquisition of Westover in Dorset and Wiltshire, the opening of the Dorset Car Store and the launch of the Hendy Foundation.

“These awards are a chance to reflect on the success of the year and we are delighted to mark this with our first ever Group Awards.”

Hall of Fame winner Andy Smith, second right, with (l-r) Chief Executive Paul Hendy, Chairman Simon Gulliford and Matt Dawson.

The key Hall of Fame award was presented to Andy Smith who joined Hendy straight from school 43 years ago.

Paul said that Andy had been instrumental in the success of the group.

He had been involved in key integration projects as Hendy expanded over the years and is now Director of Hendy Parts and Power.

New Car Sales Advisor of the Year Stuart Hall (second right) with (l-r) Paul Burgess from event sponsor carwow, Hendy New Car Sales Director Paul Murrell and Matt Dawson.

Andy said he was thrilled to win the award and paid tribute to all the colleagues he had worked with and who had helped him over the years.

“The journey is not over yet,” he said.

Awards were also presented to Zoe Hathaway who is based at Hendy Fiat, Hyundai and Renault in Poole. She was named Aftersales Advisor of the Year.

The New Car Sales Advisor of the Year award was presented to Stuart Hall who works at Jaguar Land Rover in Christchurch.