In 2001 Kevin Murray relocated to Devon to form what is now one of the region’s most successful businesses.
Murray bought the incumbent Volkswagen retailer, Renwicks, and formed Murray Group, initially with sites in Plymouth and Newton Abbot.
In the decade since, the group has expanded to include two Skoda sites and a Volkswagen van centre, increasing its staff by over 30 per cent.
Reflecting on the move and business venture Kevin is delighted with the success, but continues to plan ahead and wants to develop the business further.
He said: “It was a big change for me moving from the Sussex, Surrey region to the south west, but one that has proved very successful.
“There’s been plenty of hard work, not least because of my own investment in to the business.
“At first I was delighted to be given the franchise and provide work for 85 employees that had previously worked for Renwicks, but now with 114 fully trained staff across the four sites, I’m hungry for more.”
To mark the ten-year anniversary Murray Volkswagen is joining forces with Royal William Yard’s artist in residence, Martin Bush, to celebrate the British Art Show arriving in Plymouth in September.
The Plymouth Volkswagen site on Millbay Road will also have a prime view of the Race Village for the first ever America’s Cup World Series, when it visits the city in the same month (September).
Kevin added: “2011 is a very exciting time for the group and for the city of Plymouth with the arrival of these two prestigious events and Murray Group’s tenth birthday.
“During the British Art Show our Millbay Road showroom will be transformed to exhibit Martin Bush’s works, something we hope will add value to the show.
“It’s important, as a local business, to be heavily involved in events for the city and region. Attracting major events needs everyone’s input and co-operation, and at Murray we’re only too happy to be involved.”
The Volkswagen van centre moved to a purpose built facility at Valley Road in Plympton, where the city’s Skoda dealership is also located.
As with the car businesses, the van centre is continuing the Murray brand success, winning a Volkswagen excellence award the first three months of 2011, for best Volkswagen van centre in the country.
In addition to the car and van sites, Murray Group also runs a TPS (Trade Part Specialist) business. It supplies Volkswagen Group parts and accessories to the independent motor trade and bodyshops including Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Volkswagen passenger cars and Commercial Vehicles.
So what do the next ten years have in store for Kevin?
He concluded: “In the immediate future Volkswagen has two exciting new models available in the next six months; Golf cabriolet and new Beetle.
“We will be continually working with the brand, striving for better customer care, across the group, as that is where the majority of our future business will come from.
“The business works because we have a high standard of care to every customer, which is shown in our customers satisfaction figures.
“I believe we have the best people in the area employed across the Murray Group and hope we can continue to develop the business and provide even more secure jobs for the region.”