DOUBLE BUSINESS BOOST FOR CANTERBURY RETAILER

A Canterbury retailer has boosted its business by appointing a new service manager and a new apprentice technician.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen has welcomed college leaver, Charlie Alexander, and experienced service manager David Bryen.

Charlie Alexander (17), from Ramsgate, studied mechanics at Thanet College and applied for the apprentice position, after seeing it advertised on the Volkswagen website.

Speaking of his appointment, Charlie said: “I didn’t expect to get invited for an interview but was thrilled when I did because this is my ideal job.

“I’ve always wanted to work with cars and could not believe it when I was offered the job.

“My aim is to become a master technician, ideally with Volkswagen as it’s such a prestigious brand.”

David (43) has 26 years of automotive industry experience and worked across the south east for different automotive brands.

Like Charlie, David started his career as an apprentice, before working his way up the career ladder to service manager.

David said “I’m looking forward to working with all the staff at EuroCanterbury Volkswagen and passing on my knowledge to apprentices like Charlie.”

EuroCanterbury’s brand manager, Kevin Taunton, said: “We are thrilled to welcome David and Charlie to our team.

“I’m sure David will be able to pass on his expertise to all our technicians.

“They both will be great assets to EuroCanterbury’s customers.”

LOCAL RETAILER GOES FOR THE GOLD

Canterbury Ladies Hockey Club is proving the team to beat this year thanks to, two double Olympians and a local retailer.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen has sponsored the ladies squad captained by double Olympian, Mel Clewlow. The team showcased their new strip at their first match, which they won 2-0 against University of Birmingham.

The two-year sponsorship deal is significant a four figure sum, and is the team’s first major sponsor since 2006.

Canterbury Ladies consists of four Great Britain international players and six junior internationals, along with South African double Olympian, Jen Wilson for the 2010-11 season. According to captain Mel, Jen is likely to be a triple Olympian by 2012.

The squad has also been boosted by the inclusion of American international Katie Evans and Canadian international Abi Raye.

In addition to the sponsorship from the Broad Oak Road Volkswagen retailer, the team recently announced their new coach will be Nick Clark.

Clark is current England women’s U21 head coach, who won silver at this summer’s European Championships, and is the senior women’s indoor coach.

Captain, Mel, said: “We’re thrilled EuroCanterbury has sponsored the whole team, as it has been very difficult in the past finding sponsors for individual players.”

“The team love their new kit and so far it’s bringing us good luck as we’re at the top of the league.

“We’re currently second in the league but managed to beat Leicester at the weekend and stop their 30 game unbeaten run.”

Chris Evans, EuroCanterbury’s sales manager, said: “We’re pleased to sponsor a local and very successful team, that showcases some brilliant local and international talent.

“Everyone at the retailer is proud of the ladies and will be attending matches to support and cheer them on.”

CAR RETAILER SUPPORTS LOCAL BEAUTY QUEEN

A Canterbury car retailer is supporting a Miss European hopeful in her bid win the beauty pageant title.

Hayley White from Shepherdswell is one of nine Miss Team England finalists who will go on to represent the UK for the European crown.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen has helped fund the 18-year-old beauty queen’s quest and supplied a Volkswagen Eos for her recent appearance at the family fun, Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Carnival parade.

Hayley, who studies Law, Media and English at Astor College, Kent, had to beat a number of other girls in regional heats to become a finalist.

As well as her looks, Hayley will be judged on personality, integrity and confidence at the final held in Belgium in October.

She said: “It’s fantastic to be a finalist and I’m very grateful to EuroCanterbury for all their support

“I’m a little bit nervous as I will be up against the other girls from the UK as well as the other European finalists but it is a challenge I am looking forward to.”

Sales Manager for EuroCanterbury Volkswagen, Chris Evans, said: “We are very happy to support Hayley’s Miss European quest and would like to wish her all the success for the finals.

COLLEGE FORGES LINKS WITH KENT RETAILER

A Kent college has joined forces with a Canterbury retailer to give students an insight into a real life work environment.

Thanet College’s motor vehicle students will now have regular visits to Volkswagen retailer EuroCanterbury, allowing them direct contact with industry professionals.

The first wave of students recently visited EuroCanterbury’s Broad Oak Lane premises, with all claiming huge benefits from the day.

Andy Jeffrey, Thanet College’s motor vehicle lecturer, said: “This link with EuroCanterbury is a massive boost for the students, giving them the chance to experience the environment they intend to work in.

“The main emphasis was to find out what happens at all levels in a major vehicle workshop, but it was important the learners visited all parts of the business to know how everyone works together.”

During the day visit, students were greeted by EuroCanterbury’s managing director, John Bailey, before the management team took the group around the various departments at the retailer.

Andy added: “Everyone at EuroCanterbury are clearly enthusiastic about their work and took the time to explain each area and show the learners around.

“The group returned with increased aspirations for gaining employment in the industry and the importance of high quality control and interaction between departments.”

EuroCanterbury’s John Bailey said: “Looking to the future is vital for any industry or business and we hope students at Thanet College will benefit from this new link.

“As a local business it’s important we help young people across the region achieve their career ambitions. We look forward to welcoming more students in the near future.”

The next visit of Thanet College students to EuroCanterbury Volkswagen is planned for this autumn.