TMS Motor Group Celebrates 20 Years of Hallows Family Ownership

2026 marks a significant milestone for TMS Motor Group as the business celebrates 20 years since opening its first Volvo retailer in Hinckley.

Originally incorporated in 1947, TMS began by selling Massey Ferguson tractors before expanding into the automotive industry. Len Hallows joined TMS in 1978 as a Sales Executive for the Volvo retailer in Melton Mowbray. Len then became Managing Director of the company and, under his leadership, went on to operate several dealerships across Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, including four successful Volvo retailers, establishing a strong reputation within the motor retail industry.

During the early 2000’s, the TMS name disappeared from these areas following a change of ownership. However, the heritage and reputation of the business remained firmly rooted in the region.

When Len Hallows, his business partners and sons opened their first Volvo retailer in 2006, there was only one name they wanted for their new business. The TMS name was highly respected throughout Leicestershire and beyond, and with Len, his partners and his 4 sons all originating from Melton Mowbray and having previously worked for TMS, there was only one name they wanted to bring back: TMS Motor Group.

The Hallows family's connection with the business extends far beyond the last 20 years. Len's four sons, Ben, Tom, Dominic and Oliver, all began their careers in the motor trade from the ground up, starting in the original TMS businesses in Melton Mowbray and Grantham. Having worked in a wide range of roles across the business, they have grown alongside TMS itself and today serve as Co-Managing Directors, each approaching nearly 30 years in the motor trade.

Their journey reflects the values of hard work, commitment and learning every aspect of the business before taking on leadership responsibilities.

Today, just 20 years after opening its first dealership in Hinckley, TMS Motor Group has grown to become one of the largest family-owned motor groups in Leicestershire. This achievement represents remarkable growth from a single dealership established in 2006.

Over the past two decades, the Group has expanded significantly and today operates three Kia retailers, three Volvo retailers, a Geely retailer, a dedicated Kia PBV Van Centre, a state-of-the-art Body Repair Centre in Hinckley, and a specialist Corporate Sales operation supporting business customers, company car drivers and fleet operators.

The business continues to invest in its people, facilities and manufacturer partnerships, while looking to the future with ambitions for further growth.

The family story is also continuing into its third generation, with Joshua Hallows beginning his career within the business as an apprentice technician. It is another proud milestone that demonstrates the Hallows family's long-term commitment to the motor industry and to TMS Motor Group.

Whilst family ownership remains at the heart of the business, the success of TMS Motor Group is built on far more than the Hallows family alone. The company is incredibly proud of its experienced Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, managers and colleagues across every department. Their professionalism, dedication and passion are what make the business successful every day, and together they have built a culture based on trust, teamwork and a shared commitment to delivering the very highest levels of customer service.

As the company celebrates this important anniversary, it remains committed to the values that have driven its success: strong family ownership, exceptional customer service, and continued investment in its people, its brands and the communities it serves. At the heart of everything TMS Motor Group does is a simple philosophy – to treat every customer in the same way we would expect to be treated ourselves. That commitment to honesty, respect and outstanding service continues to define the business today and will remain central to its future as it embarks on the next chapter of its journey.

Reflecting on the milestone, Chairman Len Hallows said:

"Reaching 20 years since opening our first retailer in Hinckley is something that makes me incredibly proud. We've come a long way from those early days, but one thing has never changed – our values. Looking after our customers, supporting our colleagues and always striving to do the right thing have been the foundations of everything we've achieved.

I'm immensely proud to see all four of my sons leading the business today, having started their careers from the ground up and learning every aspect of the industry. Seeing the third generation now beginning their own journey is particularly special and gives me great confidence for the future.

None of this would have been possible without the loyalty of our customers, the support of our manufacturer partners and, most importantly, the incredible dedication of our colleagues, both past and present. They have all played a vital part in our success over the last 20 years.

As we look ahead, we remain ambitious. We will continue investing in our people, our businesses and the communities we serve, while staying true to the family values that have always been at the heart of TMS Motor Group. We'd like to thank everyone who has been part of our journey so far, and we look forward to the next chapter together."