About the JCB Group

Throughout all our JCB Group dealerships in Kent and Sussex, it is our aim to deliver a personal, friendly, caring and professional service to all of our customers, since we are a customer centric business.

At the JCB Group we provide our customers with quality new and used vehicles, full aftercare facilities, fleet, rental and motability services, exceeding a customers automotive expectations. Whether you're just around the corner or across the country, our premium products are here for you. From convenient vehicle delivery to our JCB Concierge service, we go the extra mile and provide the JCB Group difference.

Our Story

Where we've come from and what makes us different?

Back in 1998 our Owner and Managing Director, Jonathan Bischoff, had worked his way up to a Sales & Brand Manager in the local car industry, but thought, "I want to do things differently". Jonathan contacted Volkswagen UK Headquarters, a brand he most respected, and put forward his case. In December 1998 he was selected to become one of the first Volkswagen Sponsored Retailers, and at 28 years old, the youngest. Thus the JCB Group was born with just one showroom, which is now our Head Office, at JCB Medway in Gillingham Business Park.

Over the following years, additional brands, buildings and businesses have been added to the group, expanding it from one brand, one branch to multiple manufacturers, used car and van outlets, car and van rental sites, corporate fleet sales, a van modification collaboration and trade parts centres at over 30 sites in Kent, Sussex and Essex.

Jonathan remains at the head of the company, very much hands on with day-to-day business. Continuing to travel to each branch, meeting with managers and staff on a daily basis.

A message from our MD

"Here at the JCB Group we do things differently, we focus on a customer centred business, not just product sales. We don't deal in budget vehicles and we do not over-price our used vehicles, we just want to supply cars and vans that delight our customers. In turn offering good quality and good value backed by our excellent customer relationships.

We maintain good relationships with the manufacturers we represent and our mission is to excite people about the joy of driving. Customer handovers are exciting moments and seeing customers returning for their first service is a happy experience. With many families returning to us time and time again.

It’s our goal as a team to make sure we give our customers a superior level of service, so that they keep on coming back! Their time at our dealership should be hassle-free and enjoyable, and we will do our absolute best to ensure that all your motoring needs are met."
Family Run-Ethos

Family owned and run since 1998, it's rare now to find this type of business in the motor industry, or any sector for that matter.

The JCB Group continues to be family owned, with some of Jonathan's family already involved in the business. The JCB Group is forward thinking and is embracing the future of driving with electric models in all the manufacturer ranges; a greater emphasis on environmental responsibility; more online offerings for vehicle purchase and greater links with online partners such as AutoTrader.

Jonathan realises that to sustain a thriving and vibrant business, new ideas and young people are key to the JCB Group's success. In light of this there are formal and informal apprenticeships in place across the group, with technicians, sales staff, service advisors, parts advisors, accountants, administrators and marketeers all learning the job and bringing their own fresh ideas to the mix.

Building a team

To realise his vision, Jonathan needed a trusted, reliable and hard-working team that could share his vision and make it happen. Many of those key players are still working for the business today and form the firm foundations on which the business is built and continues to grow.

What's the key to the team's success? By being very approachable and open to fresh ideas, Jonathan is not short of staff suggesting ways to improve and grow the business further. At the JCB Group we all share the same work ethic that the team is more important than the individual need and the working day is always focussed on helping others as well as getting your own job done. Customer satisfaction is central to everyone in the team. Many of our Sales and Service teams have customers they know well and keep returning for their next new car, or bringing a relative to introduce, or recommending a friend to the service department.
The family ethos feels very real, which contributes to the overall success within group.

Communication is a priority and Jonathan takes the time to send a weekly e-mail or video to all staff in the group detailing how the business is performing and what the priorities are for the week. He also includes shout-outs to individuals who may be exceeding expectations, have received an award from the brand or have a personal achievement to celebrate.

All Jonathan asks of his staff is that they "deliver exemplary customer service at every site, every day".

For all your motoring needs steer yourself in the right direction to JCB!

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