Hollinwood youngster given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Hollinwood has just embarked on an exclusive three-year apprenticeship with an Oldham business.

Matthew Friend, 17, has been accepted by Oldham Volkswagen retailer Smith Knight Fay, on to the technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Smith Knight Fay will invest nearly £40,000 to train Matthew through to technician status.

Matthew, who has joined straight after leaving Astley Sports College, is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working on Volkswagen vehicles.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and very grateful to Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen for giving me this chance.

“I have family members who are technicians which has helped me develop an understanding of all types of vehicles and this is the only job I have ever wanted to do.

"I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I’m now looking forward to completing the apprenticeship and developing a career in the motor industry.”

Smith Knight Fay’s brand manager, Jason Chisnall, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

“We only take on an apprenticeship every two or three years so Matthew can be satisfied he’s achieved something already by being appointed.

“His passion for cars was one of the main reasons why he’s been given this place on the apprenticeship programme.

“Matthew may only be 17, but I’m confident he will come through the next three years with flying colours.”

BUSINESS’ SERVICE QUALITY RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

A Bury business is celebrating after being named one of the top Volkswagen retailers in 2010.

Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen was recognised by Volkswagen UK for its high levels of customer satisfaction on sales, service and parts; finishing sixth out of 215 sites nationwide.

Volkswagen monitors all retailers ensuring all areas of the business are performing according to Volkswagen standards and targets. The One Business Awards then recognise the top 25 retailers in the UK.

Steve Thomas, brand manager at Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen, said: “I’m delighted the business has achieved such a high position in the country.

“In the current economic climate, it’s vital for businesses to ensure consumers are pleased with the service they receive.

“This recognition is testament to the hard work from all staff in the retailer, as it requires everyone working together to achieve this award.”

CHRISTINE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT RETAILER

A grandmother who thought she wouldn’t last a week in a job, has just celebrated 30 years with the same company.

Christine Varley from Ramsbottom arrived late on her first day at Bury’s Volkswagen retailer, but survived and is now considered ‘part of the furniture’ at Smith Knight Fay.

The 63-year-old was presented with a bottle of champagne and flowers from the company’s UK head, Conor McCormack, in a pre-planned surprise visit.

Christine said: “I started after my children went to school and now consider this a huge part of my life.

“I only work part-time now and was getting ready to go home when Conor to surprised me to thank me for my service.

“I was very shocked but delighted with the wonderful flowers and champagne; it’s an honour the company’s boss has spent time coming to see me

“Since my husband Stephen died my job means everything to me and I have some good friends here. The atmosphere is brilliant and it’s like working as part of my extended family.”

But it all could have been so different for Christine after getting lost on her first day in 1980.

She added: “I didn’t think I’d last the rest of the week after arriving late, never mind 30 years!

“Everyone has been brilliant about my anniversary, it’s one of the reasons I come to work every day with a smile on my face.

“Will I be here in another 30 years? We’ll have to wait and see!”

Smith Knight Fay Bury’s brand manager, Steve Thomas, said: “Christine is part of the furniture here and everyone enjoys working with her.

“Conor’s surprise visit had been planned months in advance and he felt it was important to thank Christine for all her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to her job.”

BUSINESS’ SERVICE QUALITY RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

A Hyde business is celebrating after being named one of the top Volkswagen retailers in 2009 for the third year running.

Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen in Gee Cross was awarded ‘Retailer Excellence’ status from Volkswagen UK for sales, service and parts, finishing fifth out of 215 sites nationwide.

Volkswagen monitors all retailers ensuring all areas of the business are performing according to Volkswagen standards and targets. The scores on areas including sales and customer satisfaction are then added up to reveal the annual results.

Only the top ten performing retailers on areas including customer service are awarded ‘Retailer Excellence’ status.

Stuart Hunt, brand manager at Smith Knight Fay Hyde, said: “I’m delighted the business has achieved a high position in the country.

“In the current economic climate, it’s vital for businesses to ensure consumers are pleased with the service they receive.

“We’re continuing to improve all areas of the business and hope to achieve a higher position in 2010.”

Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen Group UK Ltd, said: “It’s important to inform retailers know how the different areas of their business are performing.

“To be awarded ‘Retailer Excellence’ status for the third successive year is a fantastic achievement.”

USED CAR SALES BOOM FOR STOCKPORT RETAILER

A Stockport car retailer is bucking the current economic trend after announcing a rise in sales for the first three months of 2009.

Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen has seen approved used car sales increase by 33% compared to the same period in 2008.

Shaun Massey, sales manager at Smith Knight Fay, said: “We are delighted to have seen such an increase in business during this challenging time.

“Competitive prices, a strong brand and fantastic residual value are the main reasons for the increase, something we are confident will continue this year.

“Overall the business is performing in excess of current targets, something we are confident will continue.”

In addition to the retailer’s successful start to the year, the Stockport Volkswagen showroom has also received praise for its improved customer service, which was monitored through mystery shopper reports and customer satisfaction surveys.

“We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service,” continued Shaun. “Our aim is to understand customers’ needs so we can find the right vehicle to meet their needs.

“In addition we aim to give customers a range of vehicles strategically priced to suit all budgets.”

To view the latest customer satisfaction scores for Stockport Volkswagen go to Smith Knight Fay Stockport

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