Brettell's Bins bagged by Knowles

A leading manufacturer of buckets, bins and wheelbarrows has acquired its local rival in a deal that is expected to safeguard dozens of jobs in the Black Country.

H&E Knowles (Lye) Limited has acquired local rival Brettell & Shaw. H&E Knowles was advised by leading Black Country law firm Higgs & Sons.

Higgs & Sons’ David Ellis led the legal team representing the buyer. He said: “We had some tight deadlines to meet in order to complete the transaction whilst addressing employment, property and environmental issues in time. Luckily it was possible to galvanise the teams on both sides in order to meet the deadlines set."

Peter Knowles, Managing Director of H & E Knowles, said the firm now aimed to take advantage of economies of scale: “The acquisition will allow us to offer a larger range of products to our existing customer base which includes a number of major hardware and garden suppliers including B&Q, Homebase and Focus. We also hope to benefit from the considerable goodwill and customer base built up by Brettell & Shaw over many years.”

Brettell & Shaw is a family business established in 1902. The company supplies buckets, bins and other related hardware and garden products to customers across Europe. Both businesses are long established family firms. Peter Knowles’ son Dan is a director of H&E Knowles and John Cartwright, one of Brettell's directors and the grandson of the founder of Brettell & Shaw will be joining H & E Knowles to promote the larger business.

Higgs will be on the move in 2010, with the firm announcing a £1.5 million investment in new premises at Brierley Hill's Waterfront.

SALES EXECUTIVES GRADUATE FROM EXCLUSIVE COURSE

Two sales executive from Somerset are celebrating after becoming two of the first in the country to graduate from a new two year training programme.

Gary Phip (36) and Louis Talbot (29) Silver Street Volkswagen in Taunton recently completed the course launched by the Volkswagen training academy to retain some of the top talent in the industry.

The duo, from Bridgwater and Taunton, had to pass tough exams in law, customer service, product knowledge, coaching and recruitment to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

Gary, who has worked at the retailer for over three years, said: “I am delighted to be one of the first people to complete the course.

“The qualification has given both Louis and I extra knowledge and experience to ensure customers are provided with the service they need from all staff.”

The culmination of the course, which was assessed by exams and interviews, was a three month project, presented to a panel of Volkswagen directors.

Paul Harding, sales manager at Silver Street Volkswagen, said: “We believe having knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of a business.

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

Gary and Louis are among a group of only 20 graduates from the Volkswagen Academy scheme in the UK.

RETAILER IS ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST

A service team from south Yorkshire has been named as one of the top ten in the UK after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

The team from Hayselden Volkswagen in Barnsley is also among the top 100 in Europe for the Volkswagen brand.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent customer loyalty figures ensured Hayselden secured its status as one of Britain’s best.

The award is yet another triumph for the retailer after it scooped South Yorkshire Trading Standards’ Franchise Retailer of the Year 2009, last month.

Howard Baker, service manager at Hayselden, said: “To have one of the best service teams in the UK is testament to the expertise of everyone at the retailer.

“The team thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as they have strived to deliver total customer satisfaction.

“The team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given the correct information before, during and after their car is in the workshop.”

“Their positive attitude has inspired everyone at the site and is demonstrated with this award.”

Howard will be presented with the award at a ceremony in Germany in September.

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

RETAILER IS ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST

A service team from West Cumbria has been named as one of the top ten in the UK after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

The team from Walkingshaw Volkswagen in Workington is also among the top 100 in Europe for the Volkswagen brand.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent customer loyalty figures ensured Walkingshaw secured its status as one of Britain’s best.

The award is yet another triumph for the retailer after the sales team scooped a similar honour earlier this year.

Andy Walkingshaw, brand manager at Walkingshaw, said: “To have one of the best service and sales teams in the UK is testament to the brilliance of everyone at the retailer.

“The service team thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as they have strived to deliver total customer satisfaction.

“The team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given the correct information before, during and after their car is in the workshop.”

“Their positive attitude has inspired everyone at the site and is demonstrated with this award.”

Andy will be presented with the award at a Volkswagen ceremony in Germany in September.

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

STAFF GET ON THEIR BIKES FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Staff from a Leeds car retailer braved sun, wind and rain to cycle over the Pennines recently, all in the aid of a West Yorkshire children’s charity.

The team of sixteen from Leeds Volkswagen took two days to travel the 132 miles from Leeds to Liverpool for “Cash for Kids”, raising over £1,000 in the process.

The charity helps thousands of sick, disabled and underprivileged children in West Yorkshire.

Navigating their way along the canal system the team stopped overnight in Burnley for medical attention and rest before completing the journey to Liverpool, finishing at the Albert Dock on the Liverpool waterfront.

Event organiser and Leeds Volkswagen workshop controller, Paul Smith, said: “Everyone was shattered by the time we arrived in Liverpool but delighted to have completed such a mammoth journey for such a good cause.

“It was a great effort by everyone not only due of the elements but because the tow path often disappeared into mud, grass or rubble, sometimes a combination of all three.

“The team spent their own time and money in preparing for this, including costs for accommodation, equipment and travel back.

“Most had never cycled before and had to purchase a bike, helmet, and other equipment in order to carry out the ride.”

It’s not too late to donate money for the charity, simply got to www.justgiving.com/leedsvolkswagen of call in to the retailer on Elland Road opposite Leeds United Football Club.

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

CRICKET CLUB BOWLED OVER BY NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

A west London cricket club has been boosted by the renewal of a sponsorship deal with a local car retailer.

Shepherd’s Bush Colts junior teams will continue to be backed by Citygate Volkswagen on Victoria Road, South Ruislip for another season.

The club, with teams at under 9, 11, 13 and 15 levels, will use the financial injection to improve the clubhouse, changing rooms and pitch, and increase coaching.

Amongst the club’s coaching staff is current Middlesex fast bowler, Alan Richardson.

Imran Khan, the cricket club’s sponsorship officer, said: “Everyone associated with the club is delighted with this significant sponsorship deal and very grateful to Citygate Volkswagen for their continued support.

“Their sponsorship has proved invaluable since 2005 as it’s helped improve facilities and coaching for the youngsters.

“Thanks to Citygate we can encourage more youngsters in the area to take part in cricket, especially with the Ashes taking place at the moment.”

Chris Deefholts, brand manager at Citygate Volkswagen, said: “We had no hesitation in sponsoring the club for a fourth year as it provides the community with a great summer sport.

“Staff from Citygate will also be supporting the team from the sidelines and keeping our fingers crossed for a successful season.”

The Shepherd’s Bush Colts play in the Middlesex Junior League with home games at Bromyard Avenue, East Acton.

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

SALES TEAM HAS A MAKEOVER IN CHELTENHAM

Cheltenham’s Volkswagen retailer has boosted its senior management with the appointment of a new sales manager.

Matt Owens has joined the Tewkesbury Road site bringing with him over 12 years’ experience across a range of high profile manufacturers in the motor industry.

The 35-year-old began his career after in 1996 after leaving university and has progressed through various roles including sales executive and sales manager and general sales manager.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this role and look forward to continuing the high quality of customer service. The site has good people and processes, and my first task will be to spend time getting to know all staff and customers.

“I want to help bring a breath of fresh air to the retailer and provide the service people come to expect from such a prestigious name.”

Phil Smale, brand manager for Cheltenham Volkswagen, said: “Matt has a superb track record in the automotive industry and brings to Cheltenham a vast amount of brand awareness gained through experience across all retail sectors.

“His appointment will only strengthen the brand in the town and provide a bank of knowledge for everyone associated with the site.”

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

CRICKET CLUB BOWLED OVER BY NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

A Southend cricket club has been boosted by a new three-year sponsorship deal with a local car retailer.

Ekco Monarchs and Trojans Cricket Club will now be backed by Inchcape Volkswagen in Southend until 2012.


The club will use the funds to buy a new kit, refurbish the clubhouse and changing rooms, and maintain the playing pitches.

Chris Hunt, the cricket club’s vice-chairman, said: “Everyone associated with the club is delighted with this significant sponsorship deal and very grateful to Inchcape Volkswagen for their support.

“The money will help improve facilities for all teams including the youth set-up at under 11, 13 and 15 levels.

“Thanks to Inchcape we can encourage more youngsters in the area to take part in cricket, especially with the Ashes taking place at the moment.”

Simon Kempton, brand manager at Inchcape Volkswagen, said: “We had no hesitation in sponsoring the club for three years as it provides the community with a great summer sport.

“Staff from Inchcape will also be supporting the team from the sidelines and keeping our fingers crossed for a successful season.”

Ekco Monarchs and Trojans Cricket Club play in the mid-Essex league with home games at Thornford Gardens and Shoebury Garrison.

The club’s next home game is against Ingastone as it battles to regain the Premiership title it won in 2005.


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

RETAILER URGES MOTORISTS TO TAKE A SUMMER PIT STOP

With the promise of a hot and sunny summer, Gloucestershire motorists are being urged to check their vehicles are in the best condition for the holiday season.

To make life easier, Cheltenham Volkswagen is offering a free 34–point health check for all cars.

Vehicles will be examined in all vital areas including brakes, steering, tyre condition and lights along with fluid levels such as water, oil, brake, coolant and battery.

Cheltenham Volkswagen’s brand manager, Phil Smale, said: “As a business it’s vital we address customer worries with practical and affordable solutions.

“The health check gives the retailer a chance to help drivers make the most of their motoring, particularly this summer, in the safest and most cost effective way.”

The check can be booked directly with the Tewkesbury Road service department and takes about an hour to complete.

In conjunction with the health check, Cheltenham Volkswagen will price match any like-for-like service, maintenance or repair quotation on their range of vehicles, from any independent garage within a five-mile radius.

All customers need to do is provide a like-for-like quotation for the job, which has to use Volkswagen Original Parts®, in writing to Cheltenham Volkswagen.

Phil added: “Running a car doesn’t have to be expensive but it’s up to us as retailers to help motorists stretch their budgets in every way we can.”

For further information on the free health check or to challenge the price match promise contact retailer on 01242 222 233‎.

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

DRIVING SKILLS IMPROVED WITH NEW GOLF

Canterbury’s Volkswagen retailer EuroCanterbury invited customer Trevor Haase to put his driving skills to the test last week in an adrenaline-filled day out at Dunsfold race circuit, the home of the BBC Top Gear test track.

Trevor experienced a track day at the famous course after winning the prize from EuroCanterbury Volkswagen, as part of their official launch event for new Golf.

He took new Golf around the circuit, testing the latest model’s on-road performance and sophisticated systems such as Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and Brake Assist.

Under expert tuition from a professional driving instructor and an interactive presentation, Trevor learned how to save fuel, money and the environment by using practical eco friendly driving techniques.

Trevor said: “The day was fantastic, I enjoyed every minute of it.

“New Golf is a superb car to drive and combined with the tuition I’ve certainly improved my driving skills.

“The eco-friendly tips have given me a new driving style which will save money on fuel and maintenance costs.”

The experience ended with a spectacular display by the world’s leading stunt driver, Russ Swift, performing breathtaking manoeuvres in new Golf.

The prize was part of the launch event for new Golf, which went on sale in January - five generations, 34 years and over 26 million vehicles after the original went on sale.

New Golf continues the evolution of an icon and is the safest, most technically advanced and most dynamic version yet.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen’s brand manager, Chris Fell, said: “The prize was a fantastic way of experiencing the full capabilities of new Golf.

“If you would like to take the car for a test drive, we can’t promise it will be as exciting as a day out at Dunsfold but we are sure you will be impressed.”

To experience new Golf for yourself call 01227 826 800‎.

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

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

YORKSHIRE RETAILERS URGE MOTORISTS TO TAKE A PIT STOP

With the promise of hot and sunny summer, Yorkshire motorists are being urged to check their vehicles are in the best condition for holiday season motoring.

To make life easier for motorists, Volkswagen retailers in Leeds, Huddersfield and Harrogate have organised ‘Pit Stop’ events at their showrooms on Saturday 23rd May at their branches.

Each vehicle will be given a 35-point health check, examining vital areas including brakes, steering, tyre condition and lights along with fluid levels such as water, oil, brake, coolant and battery.

Leeds Volkswagen’s brand manager, Martin Sewell, said: “As a business it’s vital we address customer worries with practical and affordable solutions.

“The ‘Pit Stop’ event will give Leeds Volkswagen a chance to help drivers make the most of their motoring, particularly this summer, in the safest and most cost effective way.”

The check, which costs just £14.95, can be booked directly with the Elland Road service department and takes about an hour to complete. Refreshments will be provided for all drivers and passengers.

In conjunction with the ‘Pit Stop’ event, Leeds, Huddersfield and Harrogate Volkswagen are giving customers the chance to benefit from recession-beating offers including half-price MOTs and an air conditioning service including re-gas and deodorise for under £50.

Rob Scaife, brand manager at Huddersfield Volkswagen, added: “Running a car doesn’t have to be expensive but it’s up to us as retailers to help motorists stretch their budgets in every way we can.

“This is an ideal opportunity for customers old and new to learn about the cost-effective ways authorised Volkswagen retailers can help all motorists.”

To confirm your car’s place at the ‘Pit Stop’ event, call 0845 034 3382.

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

NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM BOOSTS VOLKSWAGEN

A new management team at a Middlesbrough car retailer has made an instant impact, after early 2009 customer satisfaction figures were published.


Lookers Volkswagen appointed new brand, sales and business centre managers in December 2008 to mark a new era for the Newport Road site.

In a successful start to the year, the showroom received praise for its improved customer service, which was monitored through mystery shopper reports and customer satisfaction surveys.

If you are interested in this story, contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714957 or email richard@connect-group.com