The founder and chairman of Yorkshire-based motor retailer JCT600, Jack Tordoff, has been presented with an OBE.

Tordoff, 83, built JCT600 from a single dealership on Sticker Lane in Bradford into one of the largest privately owned businesses in the UK. 

Throughout his long career spanning 68 years in business, he has received many awards, including an MBE in 2007.

He was presented with the award by Ed Anderson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, in recognition of his services to business and the community in West Yorkshire, at a ceremony at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, Wetherby.

Earlier this year, the family business announced record sales of £1.25 billion.

It has a 2,250-strong team including over a hundred apprentices and has been recognised in the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’ list.  It has 52 dealerships, representing 21 car marques.

Tordoff said: “I’m fortunate to have enjoyed a fantastic career and I am tremendously proud of what we have created at JCT600.

“To have now been given this award by Her Majesty is the ultimate honour and I believe testament to the hard work, grit and enterprise for which Yorkshire is famous.

“I am very grateful to the people who work with me every day, both past and present, and who have helped me to grow JCT600 into Yorkshire’s biggest private company and to achieve this honour. From the bottom of my heart, I thank them all – they are the best.”