Simon’s 30-Car Journey with Lloyd BMW

At Lloyd Motor Group, as we celebrate 50 years of family-owned automotive heritage, we know that our story is ultimately built on the relationships we share with our customers. Few embody this bond better than Simon (@M4Simon on Instagram), a passionate M Car enthusiast who has purchased around 30 new vehicles from us over the last two decades.

A First Impression in Carlisle

Simon’s relationship with Lloyd Motor Group began in 2005 when he was looking to buy the very first model of the BMW X5. Seeking a dealership experience built on trust and personal effort, he travelled up to Lloyd BMW Carlisle.

“I went to Lloyd Carlisle and ended up dealing with Mike Brough during his first week on the job. I was one of his very first customers. He couldn’t have gone further above and beyond to look after me, he even picked me up right from the train station. Deal done. Right then, I knew this was a family firm I’d be dealing with for a very long time.”

Shortly after, Simon made Lloyd Blackpool BMW his primary local home, and as he puts it:  "I’ve never looked back."

The Heart of the Family: Meeting Bryan Lloyd
Over the past two decades, Simon has bought around 30 new BMWs-predominantly M cars. Through it all, the standout feature of his experience hasn’t just been the performance on the road, but the atmosphere inside the dealerships.

“I just loved the family feel right from the start. When I first met Bryan Lloyd, he took to everybody the same-he knew everyone’s name. It’s absolutely gospel: nobody has a bad word to say about Bryan.”

Simon recalls a typical moment of warmth (and mischief) while visiting Lloyd Cockermouth BMW:

“I popped up to Cockermouth one day to catch up with the team and grab a coffee, and Bryan was there. He says, ‘Come in, Simon! Here’s the key to an X5 M over there-go stand by it and let’s take some photos to send to Blackpool to tell them you’ve left them for Cockermouth!’ That’s just the kind of fun, personable culture it is.”

A Culture That Runs Through Every Department

Sunday Afternoon Deals

That level of accessibility and trust extends far beyond normal office hours. Simon recalls a Sunday afternoon drive through the Lake District with his wife:

“It was a quarter to four on a Sunday afternoon, and we pulled into Lloyd BMW South Lakes. Right in the middle of the showroom was a Daytona Beach Blue M4. I called Mark Powell, who was out walking his dogs on his day off, and asked, ‘I’m at South Lakes, can I get this M4 today?’ He just said, ‘Yeah, tell the sales lad you’ll take it and I’ll sort it out.’ You just don’t get that level of trust and support anywhere else.”

For Simon, visiting the Blackpool showroom feels more like dropping in on old pals. Whether it’s sales, parts, or service, the culture established across Lloyd Motor Group creates a welcoming environment across every site.

“I can walk into Blackpool tomorrow-or when I take my mother’s MINI in for service-and I can’t even reach the coffee machine before someone stops to chat. I can talk to Mark Powell, Gavin, Danny Graves, Paul Woodman, Ben, Rena on reception, or Chris back in parts. From the car valeters to executive management, everybody treats you with the same warmth and respect.”

That commitment to customer care was tested when Simon suffered a puncture in one of his M4s:

“I called Gavin at Blackpool and asked if I could bring it straight down. He said, ‘Fetch it down now.’ He was literally waiting at the back door for me. By the time I’d gone and filled my coffee cup, the keys were handed back and the job was done."

Built for Driving: From the Yorkshire Dales to the Highlands

Simon’s garage currently holds a striking BMW M4 CS, though his all-time favourite remains the F90 M5 (of which he has owned four). Living near the Ribble Viaduct on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, he makes full use of the performance engineered into every M car.

Beyond the local Dales, Simon frequently takes his BMWs on extended road trips, including the North Coast 500 and lesser-known driving routes across Scotland.

“These cars are built for driving. We’ve taken M4s and X5s up through Aberdeenshire, along the old military roads, through Glencoe, and across the tiny Corran Ferry out onto the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The roads up there are untouched and ridiculously good-just like the Nürburgring.”

Community, Connection & 50 Years of Family Values

Simon’s enthusiasm for the brand extends to his active social media presence (@M4Simon), where his posts and tags of #LloydMotorGroup have introduced new customers and fellow enthusiasts to the group. Through dealership meets and shared drives, he’s built lifelong friendships with fellow drivers across the UK.

When asked what he would say to anyone considering visiting a Lloyd Motor Group dealership today, Simon’s answer is simple:

“I’d just tell them to experience the family values for themselves. The way the firm works and treats people-you really couldn’t get it any better.”

As Lloyd Motor Group marks 50 years of serving motorists across the North of England and South of Scotland, customer relationships like Simon’s stand as a proud testament to five decades of family ethos, exceptional service, and a shared passion for the road.

 

Lloyd Blackpool BMW has been part of the Lloyd Family for over 15 years now and is the premier location for any and all of your BMW needs. 

Lloyd Blackpool BMW