LEAVING school at the age of 16 without any qualifications is no barrier to launching a successful career.

For Bury businessman Richard Cort, who runs a thriving motor group, is enjoying life in the fast lane.

His Manchester Road-based Rover dealership opened its doors to act as hosts for the latest meeting of the Bury Business Club.

Mr Cort was the main speaker at the event, attended by more than 30 local businessmen and women.

He outlined his career in the motor trade which began after he left school.

After working for several businesses, he launched his own dealerships in Oldham and Burnley in 1989.

As his motor group expanded, Mr Cort set up Fiat and Rover dealerships in Bury during the 1990s as well as establishing a sister business in Rossendale. Despite the setback of a serious fire which hit his Rossendale company in 1998, Mr Cort told the club the business had since bounced back.

He underlined five key ingredients which had helped shape the success of his motor group: premises, products, practices, people and profits.

And commenting on the decision by BMW to sell its Rover business, which is now firmly in British hands, Mr Cort said: "It's the best thing that has happened to the motor trade. We now have a truly British car."

Disclosing his company had won numerous trade awards, he added: "We didn't get them by filling in forms. These come because the customers say it's right."

Asked by one club member if others leaving school without qualifications could follow in his footsteps and build a successful business, Mr Cort replied: "I do believe it is still possible."

The meeting also included a pre-General Election forum featuring Bury North's three candiates who were Labour's David Chaytor, John Walsh of the Conservatives and Bryn Hackley of the Liberal Democrats.

After being introduced by club chairman Mr Stephen Singer, each gave a 10-minute address, outlining what their respective parties would do for business.

The next meeting of Bury Business Club will be held at PC World Buisness at the Waterfold Park, Heap Bridge, on Thursday, June 28.