INGLEBY BARWICK MAN CELEBRATES INDUSTRY LANDMARK

A man from Ingleby Barwick is celebrating after reaching a major career milestone.

Neil Paul, who works at Lookers Volkswagen on Newport Road, has chalked up 25 years in the motor industry, all of which have been with Volkswagen.

The 43-year-old has worked in all aspects of the retailer after graduating from a technician apprenticeship in 1989. He is now the after sales manager at Lookers Volkswagen.

Neil (above) puts his long length of service down to people he has worked with over the years and the ever changing nature of the automotive industry.

He said: “The time has just flown by. I thoroughly enjoy working with cars and I’m glad I’ve been able to progress a career I enjoy.

“Everyone at Lookers Volkswagen has congratulated me on reaching this landmark and I’m looking forward to celebrating many more years to come.

“The industry has changed during the last 25 years, but my landmark demonstrates how careers can be built from completing an apprenticeship.”

Lookers Volkswagen’s regional brand director, Simon Horabin, said: “Neil is a great example to young people of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

“He started his career with an apprenticeship, but has continued to learn and develop and is now one of Volkswagen's most respected after sales managers.”

NEW PASSAT LAUNCH COOKS UP A STORM

Celebrity chef Nigel Smith helped launch the new Volkswagen Passat at Lookers Volkswagen in Darlington, with a lesson in creating fine cuisine.

The 2006 chef of the year entertained over 50 guests as he demonstrated how to cook a delicious main course and mouth-watering dessert.

Guests were able to get a closer look at Nigel’s culinary skills as they watched him make ‘Blade of beef with fresh thyme and rosemary with a garlic and red wine sauce served with fondant potatoes’, followed by a ‘Chocolate and Guinness cake with a passion fruit curd’.

Nigel Smith, patron chef from The Villa Country House Hotel www.thevilla.co.uk said: “The aim of the demonstration was to give people a few ideas on simple but delicious cooking.

“Sometimes it only takes a few extra options in someone’s culinary skills to make the difference between a healthy and unhealthy diet.”

Lookers Volkswagen’s brand manager, Sheldon Cockburn, said: “The evening was a great success with Nigel entertaining the guests with some superb dishes. He was full of bright ideas for the kitchen, just like the new Passat.”

Also, in attendance was Lookers Volkswagen’s north east franchise director, Simon Horabin. He said: “What a terrific evening it was, with Nigel Smith a credit to his profession in the way he entertained the guests.”

EXPERIENCE IS THE KEY FOR NEW SERVICE MANAGER

Darlington’s Volkswagen retailer, Lookers, has appointed a new after sales manager to take control of the company’s growing service department.

Keith Holland is one of the most experienced Volkswagen service managers in the UK, with over 35 years’ service of the brand.

The 54-year-old has worked throughout the North East for Volkswagen since joining as an apprentice in 1971.

He know oversees the after sales at the Darlington site on West Auckland Road and its sister retailer in Northallerton.

Simon Horabin, brand director at Lookers Volkswagen in the North East, is delighted with Keith’s appointment. He said: “Keith has vast experience with the Volkswagen brand and his expertise is a valuable addition to the team.

“His main focus will be to deliver consistently high levels of service to customers.”

During Keith’s automotive career he has successfully held technician, service adviser and after sales manager roles, skills he now brings to the Lookers sites.

He said: “I am looking forward to the fresh challenge. My aim is to replicate the seamless customer experience and fantastic service that is synonymous with Lookers.

“My first task is spending time getting to know all of the staff and customers.”

If you are interested in this story please contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714 957 or email richard@connect-group.com