The IMDA Announce Two New Signings

The Independent Motor Dealers Association (The IMDA) welcomed to new committee members at its Annual General Meeting on the 30 th of January 2025.

Umesh Samani, Chairman of the IMDA said “The IMDA is delighted to welcome on to the committee, Allan Thompson, County Garage Ford and Chairman of the NFRDA (National Ford Retail Dealers Association) and Sandy Burgess, Former Chief Executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association. Both Allan and Sandy will be a fantastic addition to the IMDA committee and highlights the strength and growth of the association since its formation in 2017.”

Allan has been involved in automotive for all his working career, in various roles within franchised dealers. He holds a Retail Automotive master’s degree with Loughborough university, developed in collaboration with Ford Motor Company and is a Fellow with the IMI.

Over the last 10 years or so, Allan has played a role in several Ford working groups and dealer councils. He currently serves as chair of the NFRDA. The group, with around 100 members, represents the interests of small to medium Ford Authorised Repairers.

Allan said, “In 2024, the NFRDA saw the huge benefits the IMDA could offer, and we were delighted to bring 100 new members to the IMDA. All of us at the IMDA and NFRDA share a common goal – assisting independent and family run dealerships by remaining competitive and putting customers at the heart of everything we do. With the industry undergoing rapid transformation, I look forward to strengthening our
collaboration and helping support fellow dealers.”

Sandy has been in the Automotive Industry for over 50 years and from 2015- 2024 was Chief Executive of the SMTA representing over 1450 members. A skilled Director of operations and automotive industry
related projects Sandy has experienced working with Government Departments, Stakeholders, Shareholders, Membership owners and investors across all business models ranging from Multinational Vehicle Manufacturers to not for profit organisations.

Sandy Commented “ I wanted to join the IMDA as I have watched on from the sidelines over the years since the IMDA was formed and quickly realised that the offer made by the IMDA actually suited my very
small but fiercely independent used car site to a tee! With my background I was always going to struggle to be part of any other trade associations with which I had many years of experience at the highest levels, so the fresh and unincumbered opportunity that presented itself with IMDA membership was the perfect fit!

My thoughts have always been that there is safety in numbers and trade associations are without any doubt in my mind the very best solution for independents be they franchised or not, being alone in this industry is tough and indeed I would argue, potentially dangerous! With the strength of national representation, the IMDA offers a member, he/she can be more confident in delivering a better outcome for their clients, their staff and of course their business.

As I have had many years in the industry (maybe too many some say) and as a result of these years I have amassed significant experiences and maybe even the odd piece of wisdom, therefore, I feel that I have something to offer back to the sector, and the opportunity to become involved with the IMDA Committee structure gives me a platform on which deliver any such wisdom”

The IMDA Committee is delighted to welcome Allan and Sandy on board to assist and support its 1900+ members with their experience and knowledge.

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