Bowker Motor Group appoints new finance director

Lancashire-based Bowker Motor Group has appointed a new finance director.

35-year-old Ben Gornall from Penwortham has worked for the family-owned automotive retail group as financial controller for four years. 

Ben is a former student at All Hallows in Penwortham and Cardinal Newman College. He studied Economics at Lancaster University and joined Bowker from Oldham-based NSL where he was also financial controller.

New Bowker Motor Group finance director Ben Gornall said: “I joined Bowker Motor Group as Porsche Centre Preston was being built. It was an exciting experience to be part of the team that took a new business from plans to reality - now employing over 40 people.

“Today, after an uncertain period for all North West businesses, Bowker Motor Group is operating across all our dealerships with confidence. The automotive retail sector is in an exciting position and it offers a strong foundation for further growth. My challenge will be to help Bowker Motor Group to maximise the opportunities that the next phase of our growth represents.”

Bowker Motor Group operates automotive dealerships including BMW and MINI franchises in Blackburn and Preston, Porsche Centre Preston, Bowker Motorrad in Preston, and Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston.

Whilst Ben will continue to report to Andy Gee, chief financial officer at Bowker Group, which incorporates Bowker Motor Group and Bowker Transport, his new role sees him take on more responsibility for day-to-day financial decisions at Bowker Motor Group.

Paul Bowker, chief executive officer at Bowker Motor Group, said: “Ben’s new role will strengthen our wider group finance team. I am pleased that Ben has chosen to continue his career with us here at Bowker. He will continue to work closely with Group Chief Finance Officer Andy Gee as we look to develop all sides of the Bowker Group.”

Andrew Gee’s appointment in 2018 was the first time a key position has been created with roles at both the separate Lancashire businesses that trade under the Bowker family name. 

Ben will work under Andrew Gee alongside Chris Kay, finance director at Bowker Transport, as a team maximising financial synergies across both the separate Lancashire businesses that trade under the Bowker family name.