Vertu Motors plc Named Largest UK Business In North East At NET 250 Awards
Vertu Motors plc has been recognised as the largest ‘homegrown’ UK business in the North East of England in the NET 250, highlighting its contribution to the region's economy and community.
The NET 250 celebrate the achievements of the top 250 businesses in the North East. Vertu Motors plc's recognition as the largest UK-founded business in the region underscores its significant impact and leadership in the automotive retail sector.
Japanese vehicle manufacturer Nissan, which has a major production facility in Sunderland, was named as the overall largest business, demonstrating the huge role that the automotive sector plays in the North East, where across the supply chain it provides nearly 30,000 people with jobs and contributes more than £10billion to the economy.
Founded in 2006 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Vertu Motors plc has grown quickly from just a handful of dealerships to be one of the most significant players in the British automotive sector, with around 200 dealerships spread across the UK.
The Group, who’s head office is currently in Team Valley, Gateshead, continues to show impressive financial performance, with a significant increase in turnover, to £4.7 billion in its most recent results - despite a tough period for the motor industry as a whole.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: "Vertu Motors is a true North East success story, and we have grown a brilliant business with national significance. We are the fourth largest and the largest quoted automotive retailer in the UK, and we’re proud to house our head office and central services in Gateshead.
“Not many people realise just how significant a contribution the automotive sector is to the region. Of Vertu Motors’ 7,500 or so colleagues, more than 1,500 of them are based in the North East spread across a portion of our dealership network and head office. Vertu was founded in the North East, and we delighted with our contribution to the economy and community.
“As we approach our twentieth year in business in 2026, Vertu continues to grow, creating more jobs, and contributing even more to the community where many of our colleagues live and work – with more support for grassroots and professional sports, regional charities that make a real difference in their area, and other initiatives that give back to our shared regions.”
Steven Hugill, NET Editor-in-Chief, said: "Vertu Motors plc has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in a competitive market. The Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence has enabled it to become a major player in the region’s economy.
“We were delighted to celebrate Vertu’s achievements in the NET 250.”