Brexit and COVID make Performance 28 ‘a better business’

Former JCT600 Bentley Newcastle general manager Tony Thomson and entrepreneur business partner Aidan Sunter started their venture on the Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, two years ago and state that business is booming. Tony said: “We haven’t looked back.”

Aiden said: “The adversity that we have had to work through to get to this stage and get the business established has been good for us. If you can sell cars in the climate that we have succeeded in so far, then we can make a success of it longer term. It’s really helped to galvanise us and make this a better business.”

Their stock, which includes performance and luxury cars Porsche 911 GT3 RS, McLaren 650S Spider and a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead among others, is all self-funded with no external debt or loans.

Tony said: “While sales were halted by the COVID-19 lockdown period, the luxury and premium sector had remained resilient to the current crisis’ impact. Since the middle of May, when we were able to deliver cars again, the business has been flying. We’re really optimistic about the future.

“Our main focus is on quality. We take the cars to the main dealerships for thorough checks and any maintenance before they are sold. Our aim is to achieve standards that are higher than the franchised operations, wherever possible.

“We already have plans to expand. Offering aftersales is something we’re keen to do, but we will need to invest in another site away from our current showroom and we’ll need funding for that.”

Aidan is also keen to see the Performance 28 become known in the North East as a social hub for performance car enthusiasts. He said: “There are plans for us to become something of a car enthusiasts’ hub, where we can host events and meetings; a go-to venue.

“There are lots of plans and the challenging climate hasn’t held us back at all.”

Performance 28 is located at Unit 28, Third Avenue, Drum Industrial Estate, Chester Le Street, DH2 1AY. Visit the website at https://performance28.com