Chris Oakham graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering via the student apprenticeship scheme at Leyland Truck and Bus subsequently moving on to car retailing and then a car importer. For the past three decades he has been a consultant and analyst working for Sewells International, Alison Associates and Trend Tracker. He is the author of numerous research reports and articles on the automotive retail sector. Now semi-retired, Chris continues to work on projects of interest including Motor Trader’s Top 200.

My career started in automotive 30 years ago after studying business and finance, and like many young people I had no specific planned direction after education. I knew unlike my sisters I wasn’t going to go to university. I wanted to get to work and be independent. I knew as passion and goal was having my own horses that I needed to find a career to achieve and support that. I started working in a dealership reception, then parts, service and managing a busy service and MOT counter in both an independent, and a franchised group. I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in, and the people I wanted to work with. Diverse, busy, vibrant, challenging and rewarding. I went into roles in sales and as a sales progressor before becoming a marketing manager for a franchised group in multiple locations. I loved it. After working in dealerships for a decade I moved to a field-based supplier role 20 years ago at HPI. As a key account manager for independents to large AM100 franchised groups, auctions and remarketers. I was promoted to National Sales Manager at cap hpi to lead a field-based team of KAM’s and am now Head of Sales for Inside Sales and Retail at cap hpi leading an office based inside sales team and field based key accounts team of 15 including 2 sales managers. I have been very fortunate to work with some fabulous colleagues, customers and with some truly inspiring characters. My team are amazing and make all the work worth every effort. The industry is an ever evolving one and I consider myself a champion of change. I am always looking forwards and I am as passionate and enthusiastic today about what I do as I was 30 years ago. I want to encourage more women to the industry and to choose a career in automotive. For me it is still also for the love of horses.

John has worked in the motor industry for 45 years, 40 of which have been within senior roles in the warranty sector. He joined WSG as CEO in 2022 and is responsible for overseeing the company’s overall direction and leadership.

John is passionate about changing the perception of warranties and providing dealers with the tools to maximise their profitability.

He is also the current Chairman of The Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Warranty Products Committee and Vice Chairman of its Customer Care Committee.

Warranty Solutions Group is one of the UK’s leading warranty and add-on product providers. Fuelled by quality, passion and experience, the company continues to grow rapidly on its mission to drive up standards for vehicle buyers and set the benchmark for the sector.

Lee has been with Assurant and the RAC Dealer Network for 2 ½ years but has an extensive track record within the automotive industry in supporting the delivery of successful partnership programmes. Over a career spanning 18 years, Lee has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to key disciplines like account management, marketing and compliance helping partners to achieve their business goals and reach their full potential.

Marc Thornborough has been a part of Auto Trader for over 30 years and was part of the team that launched its very first website back in 1997.

Marc has a passion for digital excellence, understanding retailers goals and objectives and aligning them with the needs and demands of today’s car buyers in order to improve a retailers performance and the car buying experience.

As well as sharing best practice behaviours with customers, Marc speaks regularly at conferences, seminars and on webinars about the future of the UK vehicle retailing market and the digitalisation of the car buying process.

With over 28 years’ experience in the automotive sector, Mark is a highly accomplished account management and business development professional. He has built a reputation for developing long-term client relationships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering commercially focused solutions that add real value. His extensive industry network and strategic mindset enable him to forge strong partnerships and help clients adapt to evolving market demands and emerging technologies.

Before starting Auto Data Solutions, Mark spent several successful years at CAP HPI, where he specialised in strategic partnerships and client-focused solutions, further strengthening his expertise in stakeholder management, negotiation and driving sustainable business growth.

Neil Smith is a visionary leader with over fifteen years of transformative impact in the automotive sector. As Operations Director at Imperial Cars (2010–2020), he drove innovation across marketing, branding, IT, and sales, elevating the company to new heights. In 2020, he joined Cazoo as Retail Operations Director, playing a key role in expanding its customer-centric approach. Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Motorvait Limited in 2021, empowering businesses with strategic insights. Neil’s passion for excellence and innovation continues to shape the industry, making him a trusted leader in enhancing customer experiences and driving automotive success. 

A high-profile industry leader and automotive market expert with over 35 years experience spanning the UK and European automotive sectors. Having worked for both blue chip organisations and start-ups, I am adept at business leadership and digital transformation turning ideas to reality and scaling up to maximise commercial return. I also help create innovative and rewarding work environments to develop and empower engaged, productive and happy employees vital to the success of any business.

Sureyya has 25 years’ experience in the trade association / not-for-profit sector with significant experience of managing relationships with senior stakeholders in government and at board level within the private sector. Her role as part of the senior management team at The Motor Ombudsman is to assist and advise the Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director, Bill Fennell on business engagement. She is responsible for developing the organisation through supporting the growth and retention of businesses accredited to The Motor Ombudsman.

Umesh started his journey as a motor vehicle technician apprentice straight from school, having spent 6 years repairing cars switched to selling cars after being offered a job selling cars at an Audi-Volkswagen dealership as a trainee salesman, after nearly 15 years helping to build the Audi -Volkswagen and SEAT site Umesh decided it was time to go alone, July 1997 was the start of Specialist Cars Stoke. Umesh has won many industry awards and is well known in the motor industry. Umesh bought the garage workshop in 2016 to expand his business, which trades as Harris Motor Co.. Umesh is one of the founder members of The IMDA [Independent Motor Dealers Association] and the current chairman. Umesh’s interest away from business are off roading with his V8 Land Rover based buggy or playing Badminton.