Top trio’s trip to international headquarters

An Exeter business has rewarded three of its employees with a trip to Germany after they all qualified from a national training programme.

The trio from Mann Egerton Volkswagen visited the manufacturer’s global factory in Wolfsburg during the visit following the demanding qualifications with the Volkswagen Academy.

Phil Perry from Exeter recently gained his sales specialist status after three years of training. The 31-year-old has spent all his working life in the motor industry, six of which have been at Mann Egerton Volkswagen.

He was joined in Germany by Jonathan Eastment, from Brixham, and Gavin Viney from Newton Abbott, who also qualified as sales specialists after completing the programme, which included customer service and product training, along with both written and practical tests.

Commenting on the trip Phil said: “I’m very grateful to Mann Egerton Volkswagen for giving me the opportunity to visit the impressive headquarters in Wolfsburg.

“The factory visit was a fantastic way to commemorate completing our training. We felt very privileged to walk around the site and enjoyed the celebratory presentation dinner.”

Mann Egerton Volkswagen’s brand manager, Paul Beazley, said: “Jonathan, Phil and Gavin worked very hard to gain their qualifications and it was fantastic to be able to reward them for their efforts.

"We are very lucky to have professionals of their calibre within our team."

EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR EXETER MANAGER

A Devon man is celebrating joining an exclusive club after being recognised for his outstanding services to the automotive industry.

Paul Beazley, from Brixham was presented with a Volkswagen Gold Pin for exceptional service to the brand, at a recent ceremony in London.

The brand manager at Mann Egerton Volkswagen has over 12 years’ experience in the car industry, including five years at the Marsh Barton site.

Paul, (41), said: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin, it’s a huge honour.

“The job brings its own rewards through working closely with all members of staff, planning the strategy of the business and working hard to make sure our philosophy of ‘customer first’ is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

Only about 20 people from Volkswagen are awarded the Gold Pin every year.

DARTS FAN HITS THE BULLSEYE

A Somerset darts fan was all smiles after a chance encounter led to a game of arrows with one of the world’s best players.

Rob Burbridge from Axbridge shared the oche with world number three darts player James Wade, after attending the WD-40 stand at an Exeter trade show hosted by Toolbank.

He played a nine-dart shoot-out against James making the top four scores of the day with a 180. Rob then progressed to a final 501 game, beating James with double eight finish to win a WD-40 darts board, set of darts and case of WD-40 product.

After making the final, beating James and winning the prizes Rob said: “It was fantastic to play James and beat him, but he certainly showed his quality against me with a couple of 180s. I’m sure he missed a couple of doubles on purpose to give me a chance!

“I must thank Toolbank and WD-40 for giving me this opportunity, the prizes and also to James for passing on some tips on my throwing technique.”

David Whittome, WD-40’s head of marketing, said: “This was a great opportunity for amateur darts players and fans to test their skills against one of the best in the world.”

James added: “Playing against fans like Rob is brilliant and gives me chance to pass on tips to them.

“He threw some excellent darts and showed great composure to hit double eight!”