Williamson Motors has appointed NEIL FERGUSON as dealer principal of its multi-franchise dealership in Hartlepool.

With more than 17 years experience in the motor retail industry, including working in the Czech Republic, Mr Ferguson will open the Brenda Road dealership, selling Peugeot, Renault and Kia cars, on December 10.

Mr Ferguson, a Scot, entered the industry as a salesman for a Nissan dealership in Edinburgh. He joined Reg Vardy in 1995 after working his way up to general manager at Eastern Western Rover, in Edinburgh.