With the appointment of Ian McMahon as its new Head of Automotive, Cooper Parry (CP) has officially hit the accelerator in one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors.
The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift – fuelled by technological innovation, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer behaviour. And with increased deal activity, higher valuations, and growing investor interest, it’s a sector that’s no longer just changing gear – it’s going full throttle.
Cooper Parry’s recent review of the market paints a clear picture: M&A in the automotive space is hot. Strategic buyers are snapping up opportunities as they jockey for position and push for scale. In an industry where differentiation and tech adoption are vital, businesses with clear direction and strong fundamentals are in the crosshairs of serious interest.
But 2024 wasn’t without turbulence. Confidence in the sector took a hit, with policy uncertainty, cost pressures, and shifts in business models all adding friction. The long-debated agency model – where manufacturers look to sell direct and limit the dealer’s role – saw many franchises pause for thought. Hybrid approaches have left both manufacturers and retailers unsatisfied, with control, margins and customer experience caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, hoped-for clarity and support from government on Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandates and domestic investment in UK auto manufacturing didn’t materialise. Add to that rising National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and a growing list of employment tax changes, and the cost of doing business in the sector has climbed fast.
To help automotive businesses navigate this rapidly changing landscape, CP has launched new web content including a fresh series of short, sharp videos and upcoming live sessions led by its Automotive team. These bite-sized insights are built for busy people – designed to cut through the noise and help owners and operators get ahead of the curve. Webinars, in-person events and easy to read reports all form part of CP’s approach to supporting the automotive sector.
Topics covered include:
- 2024 in Review – Ian McMahon (Head of Automotive) and David Kendrick (Corporate Finance Partner and Head of the North) unpack a challenging year – from M&A trends and manufacturer shake-ups to regulatory uncertainty and consumer sentiment.
- Looking Ahead to 2025 – What’s coming next? Electrification, policy change, and consolidation are all on the radar. Ian and David explore the trends set to define 2025 and what automotive businesses should be doing now to prepare.
- Key trends to watch in 2025, it’s going to be a year of significant change. From agency model evolution, EV advancements and the impact of tariffs and UK production.
Cooper Parry’s investment in automotive isn’t a new focus – it’s a long-term commitment to a sector that’s vital to the UK economy and packed with potential. From dealerships and suppliers to tech innovators and manufacturers, CP is helping clients across the ecosystem unlock value and future-proof their businesses.
Ian McMahon, CP’s Head of Automotive, said:
Automotive isn’t just a sector we dabble in – it’s one we’re fully invested in. The pace of change is relentless, and our clients are navigating challenges that demand fast thinking and tailored support.
That’s why we’re ideally placed to assist, not just with unrivalled talent and insight we have as an automotive leadership team, but with content that works for time-poor leaders.
Our short videos give people the headlines they need to know, fast. It’s practical, real-world advice from people who live and breathe automotive.
I’m confident that the expertise we have as a team can support dealers throughout the whole lifecycle of development, from setup and scale-up, compliance and advisory and for some, that key event which usually forms a critical moment as a disposal of a successful business is planned for.
I’d encourage anyone in this sector, who knows me, Paul Daly or David Kendrick takes a moment to review the services that Cooper Parry can offer in this space. Whether that be Audit and tax advisory, Wealth management (through CP Wealth) or legal support (CP Law) the breadth of the expertise Cooper Parry can offer really is impressive.
Head over to our Automotive Outlook Hub – packed with videos on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the road ahead.
👉 www.cooperparry.com/automotive-outlook
