ABM Q4 - Flipbook - Page 40
OPI N I O N
R E TA I L
Learning, growing,
looking forward
→ Darren Cooper is managing director at Peter Cooper Motor Group
F
rom a single dealership founded
by Peter Cooper in Hedge End
in 1981 to a business employing
more than 300 people across
11 locations, and serving more
than 50,000 customers, our
success at 45 years has come
from constantly learning,
adapting, and staying true to
the values that define us.
Businesses often talk about products,
facilities, and technology, but none of
these achieve anything without the right
people behind them.
Over the years, we have seen so many
examples of individuals joining our
business at the start of their careers,
who then progress through to senior
leadership positions.
Many of our senior team members
have spent decades with us, growing
alongside the company. Investing
in people, creating opportunities for
development, and building a culture
where individuals feel valued has
consistently delivered better results than
focusing solely on short-term financial
performance.
The automotive industry today looks
vastly different from the one Peter
Cooper entered in 1981 – economic
recessions, pandemic lockdowns,
changing consumer behaviours, digital
transformation, new manufacturer
relationships, and the rapid emergence
of electric vehicles.
There have been occasions when
change has felt uncomfortable, but
history has shown that businesses willing
to evolve are the ones that thrive.
Loyalty and trust
While vehicles and technology continue
to evolve, people still want to deal with
people and businesses they trust. Our
mission has always been to exceed
expectations, and build confidence,
loyalty and trust among both customers
and colleagues.
40
AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS
Q4 2026
Lasting success is built through
thousands of everyday interactions.
Customers may initially choose us
because of a product, but they continue
to return because of the experience
provided by our teams.
As businesses grow, there is always
a risk of losing sight of what made
them successful in the first place. That
is why our PETER values remain at the
heart of everything we do: Professional,
Excellence, Trustworthy, Everyone
(Working Together) and Respectful.
These are not simply words on a wall.
They provide a framework for decisionmaking, help shape our culture and
ensure consistency.
Part of a picture
Another key lesson has been recognising
our responsibility to the communities
we serve. Businesses do not operate
in isolation. Over the years, we have
supported local charities, community
initiatives and environmental projects,
because successful businesses should
make a positive contribution beyond
commercial performance.
Our 40th anniversary fundraising
efforts raised £40,000 and demonstrated
the incredible impact that can
be achieved when a team comes
together behind a common cause. This
commitment remains an important
part of our future strategy, currently
celebrating 45 years and committing to
raise another £45,000.
Finally, perhaps the greatest lesson
of all is that success is never final. The
automotive industry will continue to
evolve at pace, customer expectations
will rise, and technology will transform
the way we operate.
I feel immense pride in what has
been achieved by the thousands who
have contributed to Peter Cooper Motor
Group's success. The lessons learned
together have created the foundations
for where we are today.
