The best possible start

As business leaders, we generally have a clear sense of how things are going; but in the end, it is the numbers that count. I was confident that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had made a very strong start to 2021. It was only when the final figures came in that I knew just how strong.

In fact, our first-quarter sales were the highest in the company’s 116-year history – up 62% on the same period in 2020, and surpassing the previous set in 2019, which went on to be our most successful year ever.

I am entirely delighted by this performance – and who wouldn’t be? But I have to say I am not altogether surprised. We've responded to recent challenges with our customary boldness, imagination and inventiveness, underpinned by meticulous planning and re-engineered systems and processes. We’ve continued to evolve our products, brand and Bespoke capabilities with a relentless focus on our customers' needs and requirements.

Above all, our extraordinary team at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and around the world have applied their unique skills, talents, commitment and enthusiasm to everything we do, every single day. They are the living proof of our central brand promise, Inspiring Greatness. It is thanks to them that our business is in such excellent shape, and that we can approach the remainder of 2021 with optimism and confidence.