FLEET business grew as Ford dealerships to Burger King Restaurants group Gowrings saw pre-tax profits before exceptionals rise 22% to £1.96 million (1998: £1.6 million) on turnover up 16% to £102.1 million (1998: £87.7 million) last year. The company's motor division comprises three main Ford dealerships in Wokingham, Newbury and Bracknell and three bodyshops in Newbury, Wokingham and Swindon to cater for its expanding insurance-related repair business.

Despite the well-documented car pricing uncertainty in the motor industry, dealership profitability grew 14% to £76 million in the year to December 31, 1999 (1998: £66.6 million) - with new car sales up 22% with growth in both fleet and retail - although overall motor operating profit dropped to £1.05 million (1998: £1.4 million) largely due to reduced profits from the company's body repair business where the national market was down 23% due to mild weather and reduced margins.