The boss of iconic car brands urged Dorset companies to think big when he spoke at a business support organisation’s first major event of the year.
Jeremy Hicks, who is managing director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, issued the rallying cry at the annual Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President’s Lunch – one of the highlights of the county’s business calendar.
He addressed 166 members, premier partners, patrons and guests at the event hosted by new DCCI president Paul Collins, who is an operations director at the Westover Group, which has a Jaguar dealership in Poole.
Mr Hicks said: “Think big, work hard and have concrete plans to achieve really big goals.”
He added: “Have a great sense of self-belief and you can achieve your goals.
“If you think you can, you will. If you don’t, you won’t.”
Mr Hicks outlined the success of Jaguar Land Rover in recent years, particularly since Tata motors bought the company from Ford in 2008, but also praised small-to-medium enterprises in Dorset.
“I take my hat off to small businesses. You guys know the importance of cash flow management more than anyone.”
Westover Group sponsored the annual President’s Lunch at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel.
Mr Collins, DCCI Chief Executive Ian Girling and Senior Vice-President Rob Mitchell, commercial director of AFC Bournemouth, also addressed guests.
Mr Collins, who succeeded Mike Clark as DCCI president in December, said afterwards: “The President’s Lunch is one of the highlights of the year.
“It was a real coup to get Jeremy and our great thanks go to him for finding time in his busy schedule to attend.
“The chamber is growing all the time in size, influence and reach, and to attract a business figure of Jeremy’s calibre reflects this.”
Chief Executive Mr Girling welcomed guests and dignitaries, who included the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, the mayor of Bournemouth Rodney Cooper and the Mayor of Poole Philip Eades.
Mr Girling also outlined the opportunities ahead for business in Dorset as well as plans at the DCCI – including the new Dorset Growth Hub, more partnership working, growth in rural services and the development of International Trade Services.
He added: “I believe the picture is a positive one. Business confidence seems to be improving and many businesses we talk to in the chamber are reporting much stronger sales and profit figures.
“The Bank of England is reporting growth against most sectors. The recovery is fragile and we still have some way to go but there is no doubt the climate is improving.”
Mr Collins also presented the Warde Apprentice Award to Dorset Apprentice of the Year 2014 Scott Etches of Ten Acre Livery of Poole.
Scott, 18, who is head boy at the business, beat 30 rivals to claim the honour. Judges cited his professionalism, customer services, hard work and enthusiasm as key factors in his success.
Scott, who was accompanied by business owner Alex Bird and manager/trainer Sophie Kleinschmidt, said: “I was surprised to win but it is down to the good training I have received and opportunities I have been given.”
Jaguar Land Rover is the country’s largest automotive manufacturing business. It employs 26,000 people globally – up by 11,000 in the past two years.
This week, (FEB 17) it has just started filling the first of 1,700 new jobs at its Solihull plant.
In 2013 sales increased by 19 per cent worldwide to 425,000 vehicles. Sales of Jaguar – 76,668 – were the best since 2005 and Land Rover sales reached a record 348,338.
In the 12 months to 31 March 2013, Jaguar Land Rover generated profit before tax of £1.675bn with revenues of £15.8bn.
The Westover Group represents 14 vehicle manufacturers across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. It has 26 showrooms and employs 550 people. Its Jaguar dealership is based in West Quay Road, Poole.
DCCI is Dorset’s premier business support organisation with nearly 700 members, employing a total of just under 37,000 people countywide.
The chamber – which describes itself as the voice of business in Dorset – supports and represents businesses of all sizes and sectors.
The President’s Lunch is one of more than 90 events and training courses held by the chamber every year.
