Derry firm becomes top UK car park operator after buying NCP

The Martin Group, a prominent firm based in Londonderry, has achieved a major corporate milestone by acquiring National Car Parks (NCP) out of administration. This massive deal elevates the Martin Group to the ranks of the United Kingdom's premier car park operators, placing over 100 strategic sites under its direct control. The acquisition marks a dramatic turnaround for NCP, a household name in British parking that had previously entered administration in March 2026 after buckling under the weight of mounting debts and persistent financial difficulties.

The collapse of NCP earlier in the year sent ripples through the commercial property and transportation sectors. The company had struggled severely with a combination of declining performance and inflexible, long-term lease agreements with property owners. As financial pressure mounted and debts became insurmountable, the business could no longer sustain its operations independently, prompting administrators from PwC to step in. During the initial stages of administration, several sites faced closures or emergency transfers to alternative operators as the business tried to stay afloat.

However, the intervention led by joint administrators at PwC has yielded a stabilizing outcome. The agreement with the Martin Group secures the future of the vast majority of NCP's 145 sites. Crucially, the transaction protects hundreds of jobs, ensuring that the existing workforce transitions smoothly to the new ownership. Zelf Hussain, joint administrator and partner at PwC, emphasized that keeping these car parks open is vital for maintaining the flow of traffic and commerce within town and city centres across Britain, while also delivering the best possible return for creditors.

The Martin Group is no stranger to large-scale commercial property management and strategic expansion. The company already boasts a substantial and diverse portfolio across the UK, which includes major retail hubs such as the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston and the Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford. In addition to retail real estate, the group has actively broadened its footprint in the hospitality sector, having recently developed The Bedford Hotel in Belfast and acquired The Waterfoot in Derry. This extensive commercial background positions the firm well to manage and revitalize a complex nationwide brand like NCP.

Leadership from both the acquiring company and NCP have expressed immense optimism regarding the future. Gary Martin, a director at the Martin Property Group, highlighted the historic strength and heritage of the NCP brand, stating that the overarching goal is to revitalize the service so it can continue delivering a positive impact on the communities it serves. He acknowledged that NCP is an iconic British brand backed by a loyal customer base and a talented workforce.

Echoing these sentiments, NCP Chief Executive Rob England described the acquisition as a fantastic day for the organization. He noted that the company had been forced to navigate difficult and necessary decisions to keep operations moving forward through a prolonged period of intense uncertainty. England expressed deep gratitude to employees, customers, and suppliers for their unwavering professionalism, emphasizing that the immediate priority is to restore full confidence and stability to the brand under its new leadership.