Derry firm becomes one of UK's biggest car park operators after buying NCP

Image source, Getty ImagesByJohn CampbellEconomics and business editor, BBC News NIPublished8 October 2026, 12:48 BSTUpdated 1 hour agoA Londonderry company has become one of the UK's biggest car park operators after buying NCP out of administration.The deal means the Martin Group will control more than 100 sites.The NCP business collapsed in March 2026 after a sustained period of declining performance left it unable to pay its debts. At that time some of its sites were closed or transferred to other operators.'A period of uncertainty' The administrators, PwC, said the majority of NCP's 145 sites would now transfer to the Martin Group along with the staff who work there.Zelf Hussain, joint administrator and partner at PwC, said the deal protected hundreds of jobs and delivered the best outcome for creditors."Keeping NCP's car parks open also helps keep Britain's town and city centres moving," he added."We would like to thank all of NCP's staff and directors for their support and professionalism throughout what has understandably been a period of uncertainty."NCP's major problems included being locked into long-term leases with property owners and building up a large amount of debt.The Martin Group already has a substantial commercial property portfolio across the UK including the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston and the Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford.It has recently expanded its hotels business, developing The Bedford Hotel in Belfast and buying The Waterfoot in Derry.'A fantastic day for NCP'Gary Martin, director of Martin Property Group, said the company's goal was to "build on the strength and heritage of the NCP brand so it can once again deliver the lasting impact on the communities it serves"."NCP is an iconic brand with a loyal customer base and talented workforce," he added.Rob England, chief executive of NCP, said it was "a fantastic day for NCP"."We have had to make difficult, necessary decisions to keep the business moving forward," he said.England said NCP was "immensely grateful" to its employees, customers and suppliers and its priority was "to restore full operational momentum and build a sustainable platform for long-term growth".Related topicsNorthern IrelandLondonderry-DerryMore on this storyCar park firm NCP collapses with nearly 700 jobs at riskPublished17 MarchNorth coast parking charges income lower than expectedPublished17 JanuaryCash or app - how do you prefer to pay for your parking?Published4 June