Coach · Exit · Acquire · Finance · Develop
Whether you are looking to improve business performance, grow through acquisition, prepare for exit, secure finance or unlock the development potential in land you own, TAN brings together the right expertise to support your next move.
What We Do
TAN brings together experienced specialists across business coaching, exit planning, acquisitions, accountancy and HR, finance, and property — giving independent automotive business owners access to the right expertise for their specific situation. Not every engagement draws on the full network. The relevant specialists are selected around what each business actually needs.
Practical, commercially focused support for automotive business owners who want to improve performance, profitability and the way their business operates.
Thinking of selling? We get your business genuinely sale-ready so you achieve the maximum possible price — not merely what the market dictates.
For operators looking to grow through acquiring additional sites — we identify, assess and structure deals across the automotive retail sector.
Supporting automotive businesses with the specialist back-office functions that matter — without the need to build those capabilities entirely in-house.
From acquisition funding to working capital and business restructuring — we connect automotive businesses with the right funding at the right time.
If your business sits on land you own the freehold to, there could be significant untapped value beneath your feet. We manage the process end-to-end — from initial assessment through planning, professional coordination, and project management through to sale.
How It Works
No two automotive businesses are the same. Neither is the support they need.
TAN starts with your business — your objectives, challenges and opportunities — then brings together the right expertise from across our network. There is no predetermined consultancy package and no unnecessary layers. You access the specialists your business actually needs, working together around one clear objective.
We start by understanding your business, your objectives, the challenges you’re facing and where you want to get to.
We identify the opportunities, risks and areas where the right specialist input can create the greatest value.
We bring together the relevant specialists from across the TAN network, selected around your business and your objectives.
A clear plan is built around your business, with the right TAN specialists working together to help deliver it.
Whether the objective is growth, profitability, acquisition, development, turnaround or preparing for exit, the focus remains on creating meaningful business value.
One business. One set of objectives. The right expertise around the table.
The People
Behind The Automotive Network is a team with deep roots in automotive retail, property development, business coaching, and specialist finance. We do not merely advise — we have operated at the highest levels ourselves.
Founder & Chairman
Gavin White is a highly experienced automotive business leader who has built and grown significant operations across the UK — scaling one business to over 50 staff and a contractor network of over 450.
With deep expertise in business development, operational management, and strategic growth, Gavin co-founded The Automotive Network to give independent operators access to the kind of specialist support that was previously the preserve of larger organisations.
Founder & CEO
Scott Souster is an entrepreneur and the founder of The Automotive Network. Recognising that independent automotive business owners were underserved when it came to joined-up, specialist support, Scott built TAN to provide exactly that — bringing the right expertise together around each individual business.
Scott's focus is on the network itself: identifying the right specialists, building the right relationships, and ensuring that TAN clients have access to genuinely experienced, commercially minded people when they need them. His approach is straightforward and practical — no unnecessary complexity, no one-size-fits-all packages.
Managing Director
Natalie Souster brings a commitment to operational excellence to The Automotive Network, overseeing the day-to-day function of the business with precision and care — including accountancy, bookkeeping, and P&L management.
Working directly alongside Scott, Natalie ensures every client engagement is handled professionally from first contact through to completion, providing the operational backbone that allows TAN's specialist partners to deliver at the highest level.
Business Performance Partner
Carl Williams is the specialist leaders turn to when the numbers are right but the people aren't quite keeping up. A People and Culture expert with a BSc in Psychology & Politics, an MSc in Risk & Asset Management, and a Professional Doctorate in Coaching & Mentoring.
Carl co-founded BPH Group and works with TAN clients to build high-performing teams, align culture with commercial objectives, and create organisations where people and profitability grow in tandem.
Business Performance Partner
Phil Brookes brings extensive operational senior management experience in the tyre, fast-fit and vehicle servicing industry — helping businesses create profit, growth and long-term sustainability.
Phil spent 25 years at Micheldever Tyre Services in roles including Head of Retail Network, Head of Business Acquisitions, and B2B Customer Consultant, and 11 years at Pirelli Tyres as Trade Marketing Manager, Sales Training Manager, and Customer Development Manager.
Business Performance Partner
Mike Smallbone is an automotive aftermarket professional with over 47 years of industry experience and the founder of Aftermarket Business Solutions.
Mike specialises in operational insight, training and engagement across the independent automotive aftermarket, working with motor factors, garages and major component brands. His approach is centred around practical, non sales driven, peer to peer engagement, creating direct dialogue with workshop technicians and parts advisors to better understand real world garage needs. Mike also delivers tailored customer service training and practical business development workshops, while supporting education and youth outreach initiatives designed to encourage the next generation into automotive trade careers.
Chartered Accountant Partner
Anthony Brice FCCA is the co-founder of BPH Group and a chartered certified accountant with extensive experience helping SME owners understand their numbers, improve financial performance, and prepare their businesses for growth or exit.
Anthony brings rigour, clarity, and commercial insight to every engagement — translating complex financial data into clear, actionable strategy that business owners can actually use.
Finance Partner
Greg Davidson is the founder of Davidson Business Finance, a specialist brokerage with deep expertise across commercial mortgages, property development funding, bridging finance through to commercial acquisition support.
Greg works with TAN clients to structure funding solutions that are often not available through traditional channels — connecting businesses with the right finance at the right time, whether they are buying, building, or borrowing to grow.
M&A Partner
Deva Naidu brings over 30 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, and business growth across Ireland, the UK, and Australia. As CEO of The + Group, he specialises in helping SME owners achieve financial wealth and operational scale through M&A, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Deva brings the deal-making experience that allows TAN clients to navigate complex transactions with confidence — from initial target identification through to post-acquisition integration and long-term value creation.
Commercial Insurance Risk Partner
Dean Oldham is an experienced insurance professional with extensive knowledge of commercial insurance and risk management.
Throughout his career, he has developed strong, long-standing client relationships by providing clear, practical advice and arranging tailored insurance solutions. His experience includes complex commercial & automotive sector risks. Dean is recognised for his personal approach, technical understanding and commitment to achieving the right outcomes for his clients.
Cyber Security Partner
Francis West is the founder of Security Everywhere, protecting UK businesses from cybercrime for the past seven years.
He has delivered 500+ live talks and hacking demonstrations, been Propertymark's trusted cyber speaker for six consecutive years, and served as National Lead for Cyber Security at the Federation of Small Businesses. His team runs a 24/7 Security Operations Centre backing enterprise-grade protection for SMEs — covering email, devices, passwords, and data recovery — built specifically for businesses without an in-house IT team. Francis is a regular media commentator on fraud and data breaches, featured in the Mirror, Express, and Birmingham Live. As a TAN partner, Francis helps garages protect the customer, payment, and finance data they handle every day — closing the exact gaps criminals exploit in businesses like this.
Energy Management Partner
Jonny Duggan is Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Annexus Partners, where he leads the company's commercial strategy, business development and strategic partnerships.
With a background spanning commercial development, consultancy and client relationship management, Jonny has played a central role in building AnnexusPartners and developing its proposition across energy management, sustainability and EV charging infrastructure. His focus is on understanding the operational and commercial challenges organisations face and bringing together practical solutions that deliver measurable long-term value. Jonny has particular experience within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle and charging infrastructure sector, helping organisations navigate the transition to electrification through strategic planning, infrastructure delivery and ongoing support. His entrepreneurial and commercial achievements have received industry recognition, including winning the Rising Star Award at the 2022 StartUp Awards National Series and being Highly Commended for Innovation in Electric Vehicles at the 2024 Great British Fleet Awards. At AnnexusPartners, Jonny combines commercial insight with a relationship-led approach, working closely with clients and partners to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges and support organisations as they move towards more efficient and sustainable operations.
Energy Management Partner
Gerard Duggan is Co-Founder and Energy Services Director of Annexus Partners, bringing more than 14 years of experience within the commercial energy sector.
A specialist in energy management and procurement, Gerard has spent his career helping organisations understand an increasingly complex and volatile energy market. His expertise spans energy purchasing strategy, market analysis, cost management, invoice validation and the identification of opportunities to improve both financial and operational performance.
Gerard takes a practical, data-led approach to energy management, helping clients move beyond simply purchasing gas and electricity towards understanding how, where and why energy is being consumed and what can be done to manage it more effectively.
Throughout his career, he has supported businesses in navigating changing market conditions, government support schemes and complex commercial tariffs, translating an often-complicated energy landscape into clear, actionable advice.
At Annexus Partners, Gerard leads the Energy Services function, combining extensive market knowledge with a strong focus on transparency, impartial advice and measurable outcomes for clients.
Land & Property Development Partner
With over 30 years of experience working across all sectors in construction and property, Giles Witheat has been fortunate to work for a broad range of clients including funders, developers, and contractors.
More recently, Giles has been focusing on Land and Property Development, delivering schemes on behalf of funders and land owners, acting as both promoter and developer.
Questions & Answers
Clear answers to some of the questions business owners ask us most often.
The Automotive Network (TAN) brings together experienced specialists from across the automotive and professional services sectors, giving independent automotive businesses access to joined-up expertise through one network.
TAN is designed primarily for independent automotive business owners who want experienced, commercially minded support when navigating important decisions, challenges or opportunities.
The network brings together expertise across areas including business coaching, exit planning, acquisitions and M&A, outsourced accountancy and HR, finance and funding, and property and land development.
No. Often the starting point is simply knowing there is a challenge, opportunity or decision that needs addressing. TAN can help identify what expertise is required and bring the right people into the conversation.
The purpose of TAN is to make accessing specialist expertise more joined-up. Where several disciplines are required, the relevant specialists can work together around the same objectives rather than leaving the business owner to coordinate everything independently.
Yes. Not every situation requires the entire network. TAN can bring in the specialist or specialists most relevant to the particular challenge.
No. Exit and succession planning are only part of the network’s expertise. TAN can support businesses at different stages, including growth, operational challenges, acquisitions, funding, strategic planning and eventual succession or exit.
It starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand the business, the situation and the owner’s objectives before determining where TAN may be able to help.
Costs depend on the type and level of support required. We’ll explain any fees clearly and agree them with you before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
Get in Touch
Whether you are considering an exit, have land with development potential, are navigating a difficult period, or wish to grow through acquisition — the conversation starts here. No obligation. No pressure. Just clarity.
Book a Discovery Call