Arnold Clark joins The Purpose Coalition to champion opportunity and skills
Arnold Clark, one of Europe’s largest independent car retailers, has joined The Purpose Coalition to launch a new national campaign, Driven by Opportunity, showcasing how practical training, apprenticeships, and career progression can drive social mobility, strengthen communities, and boost the UK economy.
Founded by Sir Arnold Clark in 1954, Arnold Clark has grown from a single car dealership in Glasgow to a business employing over 11,000 people across more than 200 branches in the UK. With a long-standing reputation for customer excellence and colleague development, the company has become a leading employer and training provider in the automotive sector combining world-class facilities, like its GTG Training Centres, with a deep commitment to nurturing talent and supporting career progression at every level.
At a time when the UK faces persistent skills shortages and young people are struggling to find clear routes into sustainable employment, Arnold Clark has built a model of success rooted in apprenticeships, progression, and confidence-building. The new partnership with The Purpose Coalition will highlight how world-class training and career pathways can create lasting impact for individuals, businesses, and society.
Russell Borrie, Arnold Clark Chief Executive said: “Joining The Purpose Coalition marks a proud milestone in our journey to champion social mobility and inclusive growth. At Arnold Clark, we’ve always believed that practical training and career development are powerful tools for change. Through our GTG Training Centres and apprenticeship programmes, we’re committed to creating real opportunities for people from all backgrounds, helping them build meaningful careers and strengthen our communities.”
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of The Purpose Coalition, said: “Arnold Clark’s Driven by Opportunity campaign is a powerful example of how business can lead from the front on social mobility and building the skills our economy needs. By investing in people and creating real routes into rewarding careers, Arnold Clark is showing how practical opportunity delivered at scale can drive growth and social mobility right across the UK.”
Nick Forbes CBE, Chair of Breaking Down Barriers Commission, said: “This partnership brings together one of the UK’s most respected employers with The Purpose Coalition’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. Arnold Clark’s work in apprenticeships and skills development sets a benchmark for how business can create value not just for its customers, but for its people and communities too.”
