Dedicated aftersales manager reaches 30 year milestone

Paul Kinge has dedicated his entire working career to the same employer, putting his loyalty down to the family friendly atmosphere.

The aftersales manager from Hook, joined Martins Volkswagen in 1980 as an technician apprentice and is now celebrating his 30 years of service.

He was recently presented with a Volkswagen Gold Pin, which are only awarded to an elite group of individuals each year, in recognition of his exceptional service to the brand.

As customer demand increased, Paul specialised in commercial vehicles and was instrumental in the launch and success of the stand alone van centre, which opened in 1999.

Paul’s expertise and knowledge has developed Martins Van Centre into an award-winning business, including the Volkswagen Customer Service Excellence Award for the third consecutive year.

Speaking of his 30 year milestone, Paul said: “I have always enjoyed my time at Martins Van Centre is it really interesting to see how the range has evolved and how the industry has changed.

“Having grew up on a farm, from a family with a strong presence in the building industry, I quickly realised outside labour was not for me. Opting for a career in automotive mechanics I have never looked back.

“Martins Van Centre has continually supported my development and has always remained true to its roots. The family approach has made the job very enjoyable and is why I have remained loyal to the business.”

Head of business at Martins Van Centre, Andrew Lean, said: “Paul is a real asset to the team and one that both staff and customers have confidence in for all their commercial vehicle concerns.

Thirty years is a real achievement and we fully appreciate his devotion and hardwork.”

HARD WORK PAVES WAY TO NEW STATUS

A fleet team from the south of Surrey has received a business boost after being awarded Volkswagen Premier Agent status following an in-depth assessment of its customer service and standards.

Martins Volkswagen in Camberley, is now recognised on the Volkswagen supported, Direct Sales Agency Programme. This status opens new business opportunities to deliver class leading contract hire terms to both small and large fleet operations within the local area.

Volkswagen launched the programme last October to ensure a consistent level of standards for leasing companies creating a closer working relationship in terms of businesses locations.

The aim of the programme is to encourage leasing companies to utilise Volkswagen retailers within a 50 mile radius of the end user’s business address so in turn helping to reduce carbon emissions and develop a more local approach.

The Camberley Volkswagen fleet team has undergone a series of audits and will continue to be assessed in order to retain its status.

Andrew Evans, fleet sales manager at Martins of Camberley, said: “We are very pleased to have received this status. We have worked hard to ensure the correct procedures and standards are in place.

“This new status will enable us to increase our business portfolio in the area and is added peace of mind for leasing companies who can be confident of the level of service from the Volkswagen brand.”

For further information on how Martins of Camberley can assist your business contact Andrew on 01276 691200.

For further information contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR SERVICE ADVISOR

Four years of hard work has paid off for Volkswagen service advisor, Emma Botwright.

Emma (23), from Yateley, has joined a small group to have gained Volkswagen’s top qualification for UK service advisors.

The qualification is reward for Emma who joined the Volkswagen retailer, Martins of Camberley, in 2006 as a call centre administrator before progressing the service advisor role.

She said: “I’m delighted to have qualified after a very demanding 12 months.

“I always aim to deliver an excellent service and this qualification has given me the extra knowledge, experience and confidence to further advance my role.

Emma completed a number of courses since embarking on the qualification including role plays and exams on law, customer satisfaction and product knowledge.

The final assessment included a role play interview and a product knowledge exam which Emma passed with flying colours achieving a result of 95 percent.

Martins of Camberley brand manager, Martin Oakley, said: “We believe having knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of a business.

“The course is designed to equip staff with the very best knowledge to deal with customers and pass on to other employees.”

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com