DOUBLE CELEBRATION WESTHOUGHTON MAN

In the year of the Olympics in London, a man from Westhoughton is already celebrating after achieving two landmarks in his career in the same month.

Jim Hobson marked 35 years in the automotive industry just a few days after being named the 2011 UK manager of the year for global automotive firm, Inchcape.

The head of business at Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre in Trafford Park, beat off competition from over 175 managers, from across Inchcape UK’s retailer car and van retailer network.

The 55-year-old started in 1977 as a sales executive, before progressing his career with roles including, sales manager and general manager.

Jim said: “The start of 2012 has been incredible and I’m thrilled to have won such a prestigious award, but for it to coincide with 35 years in the automotive industry is very special.

“The Inchcape award is humbling because without the support and hard work of all my colleagues at Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre, it wouldn’t have been possible.

“The industry has undergone many changes since I started and it’s been a privilege to have been part of the positive changes over the decades.”

Jim is now looking forward to adding to the awards and celebrations by driving the van centre to reach new goals in this special year.

He added: “I may have been given this Inchcape award but the job I do needs a team to carry it out.

“Everyone who works at Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre plays a key role in delivering a service that customers deserve from such a prestigious brand.

“I know the team will continue to provide Greater Manchester with one of the UK’s best automotive retailers and with it potentially winning more awards for the van centre.”

MANCHESTER DUO REWARDED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Two Manchester workers have been recognised for their outstanding customer service with a national award.

Pete Davies, from Wythenshawe, and Jill Podmore, from Urmston, who work at Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre, received gold accolades in Inchcape’s annual ‘Leading Lights’ awards.

Over three thousand people across the company’s UK businesses are nominated annually for a ‘Leading Lights’ award, but only 40 are recognised to a gold standard.

‘Leading Lights’ rewards Inchcape staff who have demonstrated outstanding customer service.

Pete, a master technician, opened Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre after it had closed, to ensure a family on holiday in the north west could continue their journey after their vehicle had suffered a breakdown.

Jill, the reception host, ensures every visitor to the van centre is looked after and received over 50 separate messages of thanks from customers for her hospitality.

Pete and Jill were rewarded with a luxury weekend of pampering at a spa in Oxfordshire.

He said: “I was only happy to help out the family reach their holiday destination, and didn’t expect anything as a reward.

“I thoroughly enjoy my job, but the best bit is keeping people’s vehicles on the road and watching them drive off happy.”

Jim Hobson, Manchester Volkswagen Van Centre’s head of business, said: “I am very proud to have two members of staff given ‘Leading Lights’ gold awards in the same year, it’s an exceptional achievement and my congratulations go to both Pete and Jill.

“I’m delighted that their high calibre of performance has been recognised nationally.”

Jill added: “I’ve met some wonderful people doing my job and wouldn’t swap it for any other.”