The business, which was founded by Terry Holdcroft who opened its first dealership in 1966, has experienced consistent growth year on year to become one of the largest franchised dealer groups in the UK. Plans for the The Holdcroft Academy are part of more future growth plans – which is set to open this summer at the Stoke HQ, Leek Road.

“The number of staff members who have been with us for 10 or more years is testament to the Holdcroft values which shine through in everything we all do,” said Chris Greenhall Managing Director of Holdcroft Motor Group.

“It is a really exciting time to be launching The Holdcroft Academy as we reach a significant milestone, celebrating our 60 years. Also this will enable us to provide opportunities for more local people who themselves will add to the legacy which has already been created.

“We will also soon be adding more premium brands to our Stoke-on-Trent showrooms as we continue to grow and plan ahead for the future.

“Holdcroft is not just a car dealership – we are a family and those family values are key to our future developments. The academy is one of the integral things to add to our continuing portfolio and we are excited for what the next 60 years will bring.”

HR Director of the Holdcroft Motor Group, Julie Ouzman said: “We’re really excited about the launch of The Holdcroft Academy.

“The Academy will deliver comprehensive in-house training for both students joining straight from school or college and will be for candidates at any age from any background, and will help them to complete Light Motor Vehicle Level 3 (IMI or equivalent) qualification and progress to manufacturer training.  There will also be opportunities to train across all areas of Aftersales including Service and Parts.  Plus, there will be openings for staff to retrain as a technician or MOT Tester.

“By delivering this training in-house, we gain the ability to work closely with our students and instil the unique ‘Holdcroft way of working’ from day one.”

In Stoke-on-Trent alone, the Holdcroft brand is prominent in Hanley, Leek Road in Stoke and Cobridge, with makes such as Renault, Dacia, Nissan, Hyundai, Volvo, Mazda and MG.

The more recent showroom, at Holdcroft Stoke’s HQ – which opened in December 2025, at Leek Road near to Lime Kiln lights – brands Omoda and Jaecoo were introduced for the first time in Stoke, after success in Omoda & Jaecoo Northwich and the continued popularity of the brand.

As well as the training academy, Holdcroft have also formed a new partnership with Burslem-based Moorland Pottery, who have designed and produced 60 special celebration mugs to commemorate the 60th anniversary. 

The mugs were shared with brand partners and staff members at a special anniversary event, which took place at Holdcroft, Leek Road on Friday 17 April.

Chris (Greenhall) said: “It’s been great to partner with Moorland Pottery who have designed something truly special to help to celebrate Holdcroft’s 60th anniversary. The design also showcases the growth the business has had over the years.

“At Holdcroft we always like to partner with other local companies and organisations where we can and will continue to do so as we look ahead to the future.”

Jon Plant of Moorland Pottery said: “When I was commissioned to design a mug for Holdcrofts 60th Anniversary I knew very little about the business, apart from my experience over the years of buying several cars from them.

“I was inspired by the story, the people and the ethos that runs through the whole of the business. From the young people starting their careers and the many people who have grown up with the company, plus of course Terry Holdcroft, whose values are what has created and sustained the business for 60 years.

“It was a pleasure to work with the team and a great honour to be asked to be part of a truly inspirational experience.”

Visit Holdcroft @ Holdcroft.com