JCT600 is celebrating its 80th anniversary after growing from a single Bradford garage into one of the UK’s largest independent dealer groups, with more than £1.3 billion in annual revenue and over 50 dealerships.
The top 10 AM100 family-owned business, founded as Tordoff Motors on June 20, 1946, now represents more than 20 vehicle brands and employs more than 2,000 people across Yorkshire, the North East and the Midlands.
The milestone follows the publication of the group’s 2025 financial results, which showed pre-tax profit increased to £20.1 million, supported by growth in used car sales and aftersales performance despite challenging market conditions.
JCT600 reported revenue of £1.33bn for 2025, maintaining its position among the UK’s largest independent dealer groups.
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Eight decades of family ownership
The business remains owned by the founding Tordoff family.
Founded by Edward Tordoff, the company was later expanded by his son, Jack, who built JCT600 into one of the UK’s largest privately owned dealer groups. John and Ian Tordoff subsequently joined the business, with the fourth generation of the family now involved in its future.
To mark the anniversary, colleague celebrations have been taking place across the dealership network throughout June.
John Tordoff, executive chairman of JCT600, said: “Reaching 80 years is a significant achievement and reflects the contribution of generations of colleagues, customers and partners who have supported the business over the years.
“Our colleagues are the key to our growth and we’re really proud to have remained a family-owned business, which allows us to keep our employees and customers at the heart of every decision we make.”
Tordoff said the business had continued to adapt as the motor industry evolved.
He added: “The automotive industry has changed dramatically over those eight decades and continues to evolve rapidly.
“Remaining successful through those changes has required the business to adapt while staying true to the values on which it was built.”
Investing for the future
In recent years, JCT600 has invested in digital retailing and electric vehicle infrastructure as consumer buying habits have evolved.
The dealer group launched its online vehicle reservation platform in 2020 and completed its first fully online vehicle sale the following year.
Tordoff said the business was well positioned for the next phase of the industry’s transformation.
He said: “We’re really proud that, 80 years on, our fourth-generation family business is still leading the way.
“With our Yorkshire roots firmly intact, we’ve been embracing the move to electric vehicles and an exciting wave of new brands into the UK market. We’re looking forward to what the future holds.”
JCT600 said it will continue investing in its dealership network, digital capabilities and electric vehicle infrastructure.