“It’s the best present I could have asked for.”

The words of Mark Langford, Managing Director, as he officially launched Breeze Motor Group’s first Suzuki dealership in Poole – on his 47^th birthday.

Just two and a half hours after the doors opened to customers on February 1 the first car had been sold.

Around £600,000 has been invested in a complete refurbishment of the former Jaguar showroom and workshop in West Quay Road.

The site has been vacant since 2019.

Nine new jobs have been created.

Breeze Suzuki, which brings the Suzuki brand back to Poole after a three-year absence, is now home to the entire range of new Suzuki cars and approved used vehicles.

There’s also on-site EV (electric vehicle) charging, Motability advice, vehicle servicing and full aftersales support.

Mark said Breeze Suzuki represented a significant investment for the group which has an annual turnover of £120m and employs 208 staff.

He said: “Suzuki’s culture is a perfect fit with Breeze.

“I’m not sure who was most excited when we first started talking – Suzuki or us.

“Either way we think it’s going to do very well.

“We look forward to growing the business and delivering an excellent customer experience for our customers.”

Also at the official launch were Matthew Edwards, Suzuki’s Regional Sales Manager, and Steve Mein, Suzuki’s Regional Aftersales Manager, both pictured with Mark.

Matthew said: “I think the new showroom is absolutely fantastic and a credit to the team.

“This is our 24^th site in the region – and one of around 155 nationwide – and is very impressive.”

Steve added: “I think they’ve done an excellent job.

“From the beginning Breeze has recognised the brand’s potential and they haven’t been scared to invest.”

Steve Prew, Suzuki’s Network Development Manager, said: “We welcome Breeze to the  Suzuki family and look forward to working with them to reintroduce Suzuki to Poole and the surrounding area.

“We wish the group every success with our brand.”

Within three hours of Breeze Suzuki officially opening, the first car had been sold.

The honours went to Glen Butler, pictured, who only joined Breeze as a Sales Executive in December after a career in training and development.

His customer, who made an online enquiry initially before coming into the new showroom, bought a Suzuki S-Cross SUV.

Glen, 49, said: “We opened at 8am and the sale was at 10.30am.

Andy Kiloh, General Aftersales Manager (centre), with (left) Terry Payne and Ray Sexton.

“I think the customer was impressed because I replied to his online enquiry on a Sunday on the same day.

“It was a great start to my new career and I’m delighted.”

Breeze Suzuki joins Breeze Volkswagen, Breeze Van Centres, Coastal Car Sales and Bournemouth TPS in the Breeze Motor Group portfolio.

• breeze.co.uk/suzuki