Founded in 1970 by Mike Cannon in Salisbury as a sole trader in a single site, MG Cannon Ltd (MG Cannon) has worked extremely hard to continuously develop the company over the years. Today, the firm operates from six main manufacturer approved bodyshops across 10 counties, carrying out a whole range of car repairs from major accident damage to those annoying bodywork dents, scuffs, or scratches across Dorchester, Gloucester, Plymouth, Salisbury, Swindon, and Westbury. “We have driven ourselves to continuously improve our service, deliver our brand value and ensure every customer experience was a top quality one that exceeded their expectations,” explains Dan Wareham, the group’s Managing Director. “Our business is driven through tough and efficient processes, ultimately delivered by our highly trained team of staff. All of our staff align with our core values which has built the culture of a happy, rewarding and most importantly a safe place to work.” Dan achieves this continuous success by setting out a clear strategy each year for the business, which is then reviewed weekly through regular meetings with both the senior group team and also the management team. This strategy sets a clear ambition for what the business requires, proving to have worked in the increased P&L and staff engagement. “My approach to being the Managing Director is clear to me that our business, team, and work providers need a straight and clear business development plan,” Dan enthuses. “If you have this as a platform then you will succeed! You have to be hungry, adaptable, and most importantly have the quality of listening.” MG Cannon Ltd delivers solutions to the vehicle accident repair sector in the south west of England. Specialising in electric vehicle repair, alongside working with multiple vehicle manufacturer programmes, the firm ensures the highest quality services for customers. We find out more from Dan Wareham as he gains a place in the Managing Director of the Year Awards 2024. Best Vehicle Bodyshop Managing Director 2024 (England): Dan Wareham Dan himself has 27 years of service experience within the industry, albeit with different companies through acquisition. He started on the shop floor in the panel repair department, quickly working his way into the heavy repair department which gave him a strong foundation for the understanding of vehicle repair. Subsequently, to better himself, Dan went onto the VDA role working his way up to Assistant Manager, Site Manager, Group Manager then became a Director. Since becoming a Director, Dan and his business partner Vince Scudder have completed a management buyout and now MG Cannon – something of which he is very proud and is testament to his hard work and dedication that he relates to apprentices to show that anyone can aspire to be what they desire. As well as a determination to succeed, Dan also finds that starting work early in the morning is a great driver for him, along with having a clear plan of the days’ tasks and longer-term objectives too. He is also a firm believer in sharing information with the team in order to encourage them to flourish. “Holding back information and expecting them to take action does not work,” he elaborates. “My team work in alignment with the business goals through clear communication and straight line strategy, the senior team know what I would respond with if they asked me something so straight line strategy helps them answer it themselves and moving the business forwards at a faster pace.” Culture is key in order to achieve this faster pace of which Dan speaks. Like many businesses, it was evident following the pandemic that heavy focus needed to be put into the firm’s culture to bring the team back together and into the usual daily life of business requirements. With 150 people onboard, Dan feels lucky to have such a dedicated team working alongside him and has designed an extensive induction plan for onboarding new staff to get them engaged. Having recently being successful in the Managing Director of the Year Awards and clinching the title of Best Vehicle Bodyshop Managing Director 2024 (England), Dan and his business partner now have ambitious plans for further growth of the company. “We are always looking to grow the business and complete new acquisitions,” he states. “I can safely say that we are in conversations all of the time to acquire and grow our business. We have built a strong Group team to allow me to concentrate on growing the business and they manage the day-to-day activities.” Contact: Dan Wareham Company: MG Cannon Ltd Web Address: www.mgcannon.com
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