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Ford Motor Company recognises Paul Hendy for ‘leadership and commitment to community service’

Ford Motor Company recognises Paul Hendy for ‘leadership and commitment to community service’
3 min read Published 5 Feb 26

Ford Motor Company has formally recognised Paul Hendy, Chief Executive Officer of Hendy Group, for his ‘leadership and commitment to community service’, making him one of just eight new ‘Honorees’ worldwide – and the only one from UK / Europe – at its prestigious ‘Salute to Dealers’ event that was held on 3 February at the North American Dealer Association in Las Vegas, USA.

As well as highlighting Hendy’s charitable activities, Ford also confirmed it is making a $10,000 donation to Hendy Foundation, the charitable arm of Hendy Group. Hendy Foundation plans to allocate the new funds during 2026 to a range of community-led charities and causes that are local to Hendy Group’s eight Ford dealerships across the south of England.

Ford Motor Company’s global Salute to Dealers programme was founded 26 years ago by Edsel B. Ford II and is currently championed by board director Henry Ford III.

Building on a family legacy

Hendy Group has engaged proactively in local charity and community-led support activity since it was created over 165 years ago. Paul Hendy led the creation of Hendy Foundation in November 2018 to amplify the Group’s own fundraising efforts, and the Foundation has since donated over £400,000 to more than 350 charitable causes, a total that is on track to exceed £500,000 by the end of this year.

Hendy Foundation works with multiple non-profit charities across a variety of sectors to ensure a unified response to evolving local needs. It has become a beacon of community engagement, expanding its reach through regional initiatives and forming long-lasting alliances with mission-driven organisations that are making a difference to people’s lives in the areas in which Hendy Group dealerships are located, from Devon through to Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

To support the work of the Foundation, the Hendy Group donates funds and actively inspires colleagues, customers and the local community to engage in fundraising efforts, volunteer time and raise awareness for local causes.

A longstanding partner for Ford Motor Company

Hendy Group has represented Ford Motor Company in Britain for more than 115 years,, having become the country’s first Ford retailer back in 1910. Today, the Hendy Group operates eight Ford dealerships across Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex. 

Paul Hendy comments: “I am truly humbled to have been honoured with the Ford Salute to Dealer Award; to be named as one of just eight global honourees worldwide is something I never imagined. I am incredibly grateful.

“This recognition feels especially meaningful as we recently celebrated 115 years of partnership with Ford. It also reflects a business that has believed in giving back since my great-great-grandfather, F.A. Hendy, made significant contributions to the community in the late 1800s.

“Receiving the Salute to Dealer Award is not just a personal honour. I accept it on behalf of my forefathers, and everyone who has helped shape Hendy into what it is today. Giving back and supporting our communities is part of our DNA – it sits at the very heart of our company values and who we are as a business. This Honoree recognition would not have been possible without the commitment and generosity of the Foundation trustees and volunteers, Team Hendy colleagues, customers, vehicle brands, suppliers, and all those involved – past and present – who make this work possible every day.

“Thank you to Ford Motor Company and everyone who has supported both myself and Hendy along the way. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Here’s to the next 167 years.”

Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland, commented: “I’m delighted to congratulate Paul on being named as an honouree in the 2026 Ford Salute to Dealers awards. The awards recognise the contribution a Ford Dealer business makes to their communities, and for the first time a UK Dealer, Hendy Group, was recognised among the eight honourees globally. This recognition reflects the work that the Hendy Foundation does in supporting their communities across the south coast.”

The Hendy motor retail business has always been led by members of the Hendy family, and its current CEO, Paul Hendy, has steered the business to become one of the UK’s biggest dealer groups, with a turnover exceeding £1bn and 1,500 employees.

Read more from Ford Motor Company here: 2026 Salute to Dealers Honoree: Paul Hendy

To make a donation to Hendy Foundation, please visit: https://www.hendyfoundation.org