Stourbridge business rewards loyal customer

A Stourbridge company has launched a new initiative to promote its customer loyalty scheme.

Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, trialled the use of SMS messages for the first time to ask customers to sign up for its free-to-join scheme which gives customers a range of complimentary services such as free MOT tests for life and monthly complimentary deluxe service washes.

The trial provided automatic entry for all those who signed up into a free prize draw and proved to be incredibly successful, with nearly 200 responses received.

Gillian Hull, from Stourbridge, was picked as the lucky recipient of a Christmas hamper worth £250 by simply joining the Stourbridge Volkswagen customer loyalty scheme.

Andrew Hockedy, managing director of Trust Group UK, said: “It’s all about giving something back.

“We value each and every one of our customers and we wanted to promote our ‘Rewards Loyal Customers’ scheme which offers extra benefits for loyal customers.”

Gillian is delighted to have been selected as the winner of the prize draw.

She said: “The hamper is a fantastic early Christmas present.

“I joined the scheme because loyalty is something I believe in. The extra benefits are fantastic and as the scheme is free to join I had no hesitation in signing up.”

For further information on the customer loyalty scheme please contact your closest retailer, Wolverhampton Volkswagen on 01902 454602, Stourbridge Volkswagen on 01384 397600 or Redditch Volkswagen on 01527 883300 and ask for Claire Walker, customer services manager.

Stourbridge teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Kingswinford has embarked on a three-year training course with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Matthew Garbutt has been accepted by Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, to be the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Stourbridge Volkswagen will invest nearly £40,000 to train Matthew through to technician status.

The 17-year old joined straight from leaving Stourbridge College where he studied motor vehicles, and is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working in the automotive industry for a highly regarded brand.

Speaking of his new role Matthew, said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and very grateful to Stourbridge Volkswagen for giving me this chance.

“It has always been my goal to become a technician. I am looking forward to gaining hands on experience and working alongside the team of highly trained technicians at Stourbridge, learning from their wealth of experience.

“I am very pleased to be working for the Volkswagen brand and after completing the apprenticeship hope to develop a career in the motor industry.”

Stourbridge Volkswagen service manager, Paul Robinson, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important that local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

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

“He may only be 17, but we are confident Matthew will come through the next three years with flying colours.”

Change at the top for Stourbridge business

A Stourbridge business has welcomed the appointment of a new brand manager.

Simon Volans has taken the helm of Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, after successfully managing its Redditch site for three years.

The 44-year-old brings with him over 22 years’ of automotive sales and managerial experience from both the car and motorcycle industry.

Simon’s new role will see him strengthen the group’s largest Volkswagen site by enhancing its service for customers.

Speaking of his appointment, Simon, said: “The Stourbridge site offers great facilities for customers and staff. It features a 10 car showroom, is used as a pilot site for Volkswagen servicing initiatives and has a 25 per cent larger workshop, compared to our other outlets.

“I am looking forward to the fresh challenge and leading the Stourbridge team to new successes.”

Andrew Hockedy, managing director of Trust Group UK, is delighted to welcome Simon to the Stourbridge site.

He said: “Having worked with Simon for a number of years we are more than confident that his dedication and expertise with help grow the Stourbridge business.”

SEEING IS BELIEVING FOR VOLKSWAGEN MOTORISTS

A Stourbridge business has launched a new service for motorists, giving visible access to its workshop area.

Stourbridge Volkswagen has quite literally removed its workshop and showroom walls enabling customers to accompany a technician as they inspect their vehicle.

The Dialogue Reception facility is encased in a glass frame, for customers’ safety, and provides added reassurance enabling clear access to view cars whilst on vehicle ramps.

Every vehicle that visits the Stourbridge Volkswagen site in Audnam receives a complimentary 34-point express visual check. Customers now have the opportunity to escort technician, Vince Baker, during this service providing a greater insight into the car’s condition and helping to build a strong relationship between the driver and technician.

The pilot service has cost £70,000 to install, and if successful, may be rolled out across the Volkswagen UK dealer network.

Nigel White, Finance Director of Trust Group UK, said: “We are delighted to be trialling this new concept for Volkswagen UK as we believe it is a service customers have wanted for some time.

“The new service brings complete transparency and certainly helps to strengthen customer confidence and trust in us as their local Volkswagen specialist.

“We invest thousands of pounds every year into Volkswagen technical training as well as on specialist diagnostic equipment. This new service is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise.”

Steve Bishop, service manager at Stourbridge Volkswagen, concluded: “We have already received a number of positive comments from customers who appreciate having Vince on hand to speak to about their motoring concerns.”

To take advantage of the new Dialogue Reception facility customers are requested to book their vehicles in for the Express Visual Check by calling 01384 397600.

Alternatively, customers can drop in to the retailer and ask for Steve Bishop, who will be happy to demonstrate the service.

For further information please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.