Major UK car dealership closing in March as staff told to ‘seek new roles’

Ocean Torbay BMW and Mini dealership in Devon is set to close its doors on March 6, with staff told to look for new jobs as difficult trading conditions and rising operational costs force the business to shut down

Another British car dealership is poised to shut down within weeks, with employees informed they must seek alternative employment. A BMW and Mini motor dealer situated in Devon is due to cease trading in March, delivering yet another significant blow to the automotive industry.

Ocean Torbay has confirmed the business will close its doors on March 6, 2026, with challenging trading circumstances and escalating operational expenses cited as reasons for the closure. Mounting costs are believed to have rendered the business financially unsustainable, prompting the decision to shut the dealership.

Head of Business Gareth Watton acknowledged that staff would be “looking for new roles” in a devastating setback for local employees. Gareth wrote on LinkedIn: “Sadly the news that is travelling very fast is true, and Ocean Torbay will be closing in the next few months.

“Obviously a very difficult time for every member of my team and I am absolutely gutted. I built a great team of people and to see that break up in the coming weeks will be hard. For now, that leaves me and all of my team looking for new roles in the coming weeks.”

Ocean Torbay claims to “feature all the latest new BMW cars” alongside an extensive range of premium Approved Used motors. Furthermore, Ocean Torbay states all their models are available “at competitive prices”, with every vehicle described as “affordable”, reports the Express.

Beyond vehicle sales, the company runs an MOT centre in Kingskerswell and a trading facility on Totnes Road which is also anticipated to close its doors on 6 March. It’s not the only motor dealership impacted, with Vertu Motors confirming the shutdown of five branches across Britain.

The company has shut down its Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield dealerships earlier this year, with outlets at Launceston Peugeot, Barnstaple Peugeot and Barnstaple Volvo subsequently closing.

Meanwhile, Targa Florio Car, which specialised in selling luxury high-end supercars near Chichester, ceased trading at the end of December.

Ocean Torbay has been approached for comment.

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