Top duo's Icelandic adventure

A West Midlands business has rewarded two of its employees with a luxury trip to Iceland after they delivered exceptional customer service results.
The duo from Trust Group UK, which has three Volkswagen sites in Redditch, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge, were rewarded with an Icelandic adventure after finishing within the top 50 performing Volkswagen sales managers.

Bill Alexander, who is based at Stourbridge Volkswagen was joined in Iceland by Wolverhampton Volkswagen’s general sales manager, Andrew Beach.

The pair has over three decades of managerial experience in the automotive industry. Bill (50) has 18 years motor experience and spent the last six with Trust Group UK. Whilst Andrew (36), who lives in Wolverhampton, has been in the industry since valeting cars aged 17.

Bill and Andrew made the top 50 performing sales managers from the national Volkswagen network during quarter three of 2011. They celebrated their success with the other sales managers, enjoying a stay in an exclusive hotel in the heart of Reykjavik.

Commenting on the trip Bill said: “I’m very grateful to Volkswagen for giving me the opportunity to visit this impressive country.

“The luxury three day break was a fantastic reward and we were lucky enough to experience the spectacular Northern Lights during our stay.

“We took part in some exhilarating adventure activities including snowmobiling, quad biking and driving customised super Jeeps across a glacier. We also had time to relax with a visit to Iceland’s most famous attractions, the blue lagoon geothermal spa.”

Trust Group UK’s managing director, Andrew Hockedy, said: “Bill and Andrew worked very hard to gain this recognition and it was fantastic to be able to reward them for their efforts.

“We are very lucky to have professionals of their calibre within our team.”

Kirkcaldy teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

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

Michael Given (18), from Burnt Island, has been accepted by Volkswagen retailer, Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy to be the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.
Over the next three years Specialist Cars will invest nearly £40,000 to train Michael through to technician status.

Michael originally approached Specialist Cars for a role at its customer services centre. The team felt his knowledge, skills and passion were more suited to the apprentice programme and offered him the role.

Speaking of his new role Michael said: “I have always been technically minded and fascinated by the way things work so I am really looking forward to working on Volkswagen vehicles.

“I decided to turn down a university place to study astrophysics so I am over the moon to have secured the apprenticeship with Specialist Cars. My aim is to go as far as I can in my career.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I want to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”

Specialist Cars’ brand manager, Paul Lanni, said: “Michael’s passion and technical know-how was one of the main reasons why we choose him for the apprenticeship programme.

“We are confident he will come through the three years with flying colours.”

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.

Aberdeen teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

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

Sixteen-year-old Nathan Horne has been accepted by Volkswagen car retailer, Specialist Cars in Aberdeen to be the latest recruit on the company’s parts apprenticeship scheme

Over the next three years Specialist Cars will invest nearly £40,000 to train Nathan to become a parts advisor.

Nathan started after finishing his GCSE’s at Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen. His ambition to work in the automotive industry was evident in his interview which secured him the apprenticeship.

Nathan said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is my dream job. I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.

“I am over the moon to be given this opportunity and very grateful to Specialist Cars for giving me this chance.

“I am determined to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”

Specialist Cars’ aftersales manager, Scott Brunton, said: “Nathan’s enthusiasm was one of the main reasons why he secured this place on the apprenticeship programme.

“We are confident he will come through the three years with flying colours.”

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.”

Hard work pays off for Wolverhampton service advisor

Three years of hard work has paid off for a Pendeford administrator after she qualified as a service advisor with Wolverhampton Volkswagen.

Laura Davis (24) joined the Bilston Road retailer in 2003 as a receptionist and soon progressed to an administrator within the servicing division before commencing her service advisor qualification.

Speaking of her qualification Laura said: “I’m delighted to have qualified after a very demanding three years.

“I pride myself on giving the best service possible. The qualification has given me the extra knowledge, experience and confidence to ensure customers’ needs are consistently met.”

Through the Volkswagen Training Academy Laura completed a series of both practical and written exams covering all aspects of customer satisfaction and product knowledge.

Her final assessment was an on-site role play in front of key Volkswagen representatives, which Laura passed with flying colours.

Wolverhampton Volkswagen brand manager, Andrew Hockedy, said: “We believe having knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of our business.

“The course is designed to equip staff with the very best knowledge and we are delighted with Laura’s hard work and dedication. She thoroughly deserves the qualification.”

Charity jump to raise hundreds for Children in Need

Players from Derby County Football Club are teaming up with a Mackworth business to help raise hundreds of pounds for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

Imperial Commercials, Derby’s dedicated Volkswagen commercial vehicle site, is inviting the members of the public to join its staff and Derby county players in a charity bungee jump fun day, taking place on Friday 18th November.

The Ashbourne Road van centre team will be plummeting 175 feet in a series of sponsored bungee jumps and welcomes visitors to take their own charity plunge to help raise funds for the annual children’s appeal.

The bungee jump will be erected in the Volkswagens forecourt and will take place between 10:30am and 4pm, refreshments will also be available.

The Derby County Football Club players will be available in the afternoon to greet fans and sign autographs.

Van drivers will also have the opportunity to get Derby County match day tickets as 20 pairs will be up for grabs to anyone who test drives a new Volkswagen vehicle on the day.

Matthew Lawrenson, regional director at Imperial Commercials, said: “This is a great opportunity for the business to help raise awareness and money for a worthy cause.

“Staff are busy fundraising for their bungee jumps and we hope that other members of the public take advantage of the 175 feet plunge and give generously.

“We are delighted that players from Derby County are joining us and hope the day is a huge success and lots of money is raised to support the vital work done by Children in Need.”

Further charity fundraising action will see three teams of Imperial Commercials staff compete in a “jailbreak” race on Friday 18th November. The teams will be dropped off ten miles from the van centre in fancy dress outfits, they will then have to race back to the site, blagging their way without using any money or mobile phones.

A suitable donation to Children in Need is requested for all bungee jumps by the general public, availability will be on a first come basis.

Digital expert in the fast lane

Citygate Volkswagen is taking a major step forward by appointing one of the youngest digital experts in the region.

Jade-Elise Brooke-Read, from Great Missenden is Citygate Volkswagen’s new marketing executive, responsible for all aspects of the automotive group’s digital strategy including social media.

The 21-year-old has always being passionate about digital developments and held a position at one of London’s top IT firms before starting at the Volkswagen retailer which has sites in Ruislip, Colindale, Watford, Chalfont and High Wycombe.

Speaking of her appointment Jade-Elise said: “I’m excited to be using my skills in an industry that is relatively new to this area of communication.

“I consider myself experienced in the ever changing digital industry. Since leaving school at 18, I’ve completed many different training programmes and worked with some of the best people in the digital arena.”

Citygate’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Simon Bennett, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jade-Elise to our team. It has become very apparent over the last few years that a digital presence in our industry is becoming increasingly more important. Jade’s appointment will allow us to continue providing customers with a level of service they would expect from Citygate.

“We felt it appropriate to bring in somebody who was young and fresh and had a good understanding of the market and how to apply it to the Citygate business.”

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.”

Management boost for Oxford retailer

An Oxford business has boosted its senior management by appointing a new motoring expert to lead its team.

Guy Twiselton, from Kidlington, has joined Volkswagen retailer Ridgeway Oxford Kidlington as general sales manager.

Having worked in the automotive industry straight from school, the 28-year-old has quickly progressed up the career ladder, where he has held various managerial roles for the past five years.

Guy joined the Ridgeway Group in 2010 and has worked with both the Volkswagen and Audi brands across Oxford. His latest appointment will see him lead a larger site bringing together his expertise to enhance the business for Kidlington motorists.

Speaking about the new role, Guy said: “I’m delighted to have accepted the role and look forward to the fresh challenge.”

“My focus will be to enhance customer service and strengthen the business in the area. The staff at Ridgeway are fantastic and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Kidlington team.”

Simon McLaughlin, Volkswagen Brand Director for Ridgeway: “Guy’s passion and determination is a valuable addition to the team in Oxford.”

Chester business in the pink for charity

A Chester business is going all pink this week (Friday 28th), hoping to raise over £1,000 for charity.

Dane Volkswagen on Sealand Road will be hosting a Pink Friday in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness, including a raffle and wash and vac service and a ladies evening.

All staff at the retailer will be dressed in pink, with a prize for the best dressed customer who comes along during the day.

The event is on all day, but at 5pm the showroom will be turned into ‘ladies evening’ with car maintenance sessions, home baked refreshments and many prizes in the raffle.

Organiser, Lynsey Axon, is hoping to see as many people attend and is promising an event to remember.

She said: “It should be a fantastic event, which we hope will raise lots of money for a great charity.

“Some of the raffles prizes are worth hundreds of pounds and we also have some competitions specifically for children to make it a real family event.

“The staff will be bringing in freshly baked cakes, others are donating time to demonstrate car maintenance and the remaining will ensure everyone who attends has a good time.”

Among the main raffles prizes are car service plans worth up to £349, MOTs and winter safety packs.

The parts department will be donating a percentage of all sales made during the day to the fund, while all the money made from selling refreshments and the wash and vac service will go to Breast Cancer Awareness

Lynsey added: “There will also be a prize for the best dressed person, so everyone who attends should dress to impress!”

EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR STOCKPORT DUO

A Stockport retailer is celebrating as two of its staff join an exclusive club after being recognised for their outstanding services to the automotive industry.

Lily Heeley and Steve Simcock were presented with Volkswagen Gold Pins for exceptional and long service to the brand, at a recent ceremony in London.

The Volkswagen Gold Pin is the highest international accolade given by the brand to individuals. Only about 20 people are awarded the Gold Pin every year.

The duo have together served 50 years with Volkswagen and at Smith Knight Fay in Stockport, having both started as apprentices in 1986.

Lily, (41) from Stockport, is the new vehicle supply manager, while Steve, (41) from Hazel Grove, is the retailer’s master technician.

“I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin, it’s a huge honour to be recognised by Volkswagen UK, said Lily.

“Both Steve and I started on apprenticeship schemes at the same time and it’s great to be sharing this success with him.”

Steve added: “I thoroughly enjoy my job and couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my colleagues.”

Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen’s brand manager, Paul Colman-Smith, said: “I am very proud to have two colleagues awarded a Gold Pin in the same year, it’s an exceptional achievement and my congratulations go to both Lily and Steve.

“I am delighted that their long service and high calibre of performance has been recognised nationally.”

£1M REFURB FOR CREWE BUSINESS

A prominent Crewe business has invested £1m in a state-of-the-art premises in the town.

Work has already started at transforming the current Crewe Volkswagen building and is expected to be completed in February, with the aim of creating new jobs in the future.

The refurbishment will see the showroom increase from seven cars to eleven and an extra two ramps in the workshop.

Crewe Volkswagen’s brand manager, Ben Gilbert, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing motorists in Crewe and south Cheshire with the highest standard of Volkswagen facility.

“The refurbishment will take place in four phases to ensure disruption for customers is kept to a minimum.”

Among the major changes is the addition of a diagnostics bay in the workshop which allows customers to view work being carried out on their car. It also allows direct contact with the technician working on their vehicle.

Ben continued: “The new diagnostics bay is one of the first in the UK and provides a facility that gives customers one-on-one contact with technicians to discuss anything about their car.

“This new approach is designed to showcase the amount of technical know-how our technicians need to be able work on cars in the 21st century and give some indication on how the workshop operates.

“The new showroom has a contemporary design in line with Volkswagen’s new corporate identity, allowing customers to view the full range of Volkswagen passengers cars, including the new Golf cabriolet, in a friendly and relaxed environment.”

Top trio’s trip to international headquarters

An Exeter business has rewarded three of its employees with a trip to Germany after they all qualified from a national training programme.

The trio from Mann Egerton Volkswagen visited the manufacturer’s global factory in Wolfsburg during the visit following the demanding qualifications with the Volkswagen Academy.

Phil Perry from Exeter recently gained his sales specialist status after three years of training. The 31-year-old has spent all his working life in the motor industry, six of which have been at Mann Egerton Volkswagen.

He was joined in Germany by Jonathan Eastment, from Brixham, and Gavin Viney from Newton Abbott, who also qualified as sales specialists after completing the programme, which included customer service and product training, along with both written and practical tests.

Commenting on the trip Phil said: “I’m very grateful to Mann Egerton Volkswagen for giving me the opportunity to visit the impressive headquarters in Wolfsburg.

“The factory visit was a fantastic way to commemorate completing our training. We felt very privileged to walk around the site and enjoyed the celebratory presentation dinner.”

Mann Egerton Volkswagen’s brand manager, Paul Beazley, said: “Jonathan, Phil and Gavin worked very hard to gain their qualifications and it was fantastic to be able to reward them for their efforts.

"We are very lucky to have professionals of their calibre within our team."

Managing director gets back in the saddle for charity

A West Midlands managing director has completed a sponsored bike ride, raising £1,200 for a children’s charity.

Andrew Hockedy, who manages Trust Group UK which has three Volkswagen sites in Redditch, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge, cycled 100 kilometres for Action Medical Research.

The 49-year-old, who is based at Wolverhampton Volkswagen, took part in the organised Warwick 100 ride around the Warwickshire countryside, to help raise awareness of the leading UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.

Speaking of the ride, Andrew, said: “It was certainly a tough challenge but one I relished.

“I was a keen cyclist when I was younger and even rode 1,500 mile of my own Tour de France route, but I hadn’t been on a bike in years.

“The charity ride has revived my passion for the saddle so much so that I have committed to three further races for Action Medical Research.

“I am very grateful to all sponsors and aim to double my donation total over the forthcoming rides.”

Andrew plans to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats next year to raise further funds for Action Medical Research.

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.”

Telford business receives government training boost

A Telford business has introduced a new government-funded apprentice training programme aimed at strengthening its customer service.

Inchcape Volkswagen, in association with the Learning Skills Partnership, has launched a course to introduce new talent into the automotive industry and enhance its offering.

Amy Swingler, from Trench, accepted the new customer host role and will begin a six month intensive training programme, resulting in a NVQ Level 2 customer service qualification.

The 18-year-old successfully completed an assessment day which included group exercises and an individual presentation in front of a panel of Inchcape managers and representatives from the Learning Skills Partnership, in addition to a one-to-one interview.

Speaking of her appointment, Amy added: “I had recently completed my A-levels and decided an apprenticeship would be the ideally opportunity to start building my business skills. The interview process was very nerve wracking but I am delighted to have secured the position.”

The dedicated role was launched following customers feedback. The training programme covers all customer facing skills including body language and problem solving plus in-depth product knowledge.

Volkswagen passenger cars is carrying out a pilot scheme with the Learning Skills Partnership across a number of sites in the UK as course co-ordinator, Lee Wilks explains.

He said: “The on-going pilot scheme has shown promise and will be fully assessed in the near future. We hope the government-funded programme will continue and introduce further customer host roles across the Volkswagen network.”

Inchcape Telford’s brand manager, Andy Poole, said: “This new role is not about selling its more about being the first point of contact for customers, ensuring their experience is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“This role is introducing new blood into the industry and therefore a clear training framework will help nurture and develop Amy’s skills; after all she could be one of our future managers.”

ALTRINCHAM MAN CELBRATES TWO DECADES IN INDUSTRY

An Altrincham man is celebrating after reaching a major career milestone.

Alister Stones, who works at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen on Manchester Road, has chalked up 20 years in the motor industry, most of which have been with Volkswagen.

The 42-year-old (above) originally trained as a joiner and then financial advisor, before he took up a sales role in the automotive industry working alongside his mum. He is now the brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen.

Alister puts his long length of service down to people he has worked with over the years, the ever changing nature of the automotive industry and of course the tutoring he had from working with his mum.

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 Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen has congratulated me on reaching this landmark and I’m looking forward to celebrating many more years to come.

“The ever changing nature of the job ensures I’m kept busy and I look forward to going to work every day. That’s not something everyone can say.”

TAUNTON MAN TURNS DREAM INTO REALITY

A young car enthusiast from Norton Fitzwarren has secured his dream job thanks to a successful work placement with a Taunton business.

Daniel Neal made such a good impression whilst undertaking voluntary work experience at Volkswagen Taunton Van Centre, that he has gone on to be appointed in a full-time position with the company.

The 21-year-old has been appointed as a sales executive at the van centre’s sister car retailer in Bridgwater.

He worked for two days a week over two years while studying for a diploma in mechanics and is understandably delighted with his new role.

Daniel said: “I set up my own work experience at the van centre because I wanted to gain first hand industry knowledge.
“Whilst working at the van centre I discovered a keen interest in the sales side of the business.”

Daniel’s story demonstrated what hard work and education can lead to; after he was made redundant from a role he has been in since leaving school.

He added: “I decided to use the opportunity to further my education and develop my skills in the motor industry, by studying for a diploma in mechanics at Somerset College of Arts and Technology.

“After two years of studying at college and the van centre I’ve now landed my dream job.

“I am very grateful to both Bridgwater Volkswagen and Taunton Van Centre for the opportunities and support which they have shown me.

“I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.”

In his new role as sales executive Daniel will undertake a 15 month Volkswagen training programme which will provide in-depth product and technology knowledge, and business experience.

Adrian Bull, brand manager at Bridgwater Volkswagen, said: “Daniel made a lasting impression when he carried out his work experience. His dedication and work ethic really impressed.

“We believe that finding the right people is integral to our business success. Daniel will be a great asset to Bridgwater Volkswagen.

“We have discovered a passionate individual who has a keen interest in the motor industry and I am sure he will go far.”

Taunton Van Centre and Bridgwater Volkswagen are part of Silver Street Automotive, supplying new and approved used passenger cars, and Volkswagen commercial vehicles, across the south west.

GEE CROSS YOUNGSTER IS OFF TO A FLYING START

Three years of hard work and training have paid off for Gee Cross' James Kidd after he graduated from his technician apprenticeship.

The 20-year-old joined Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen in Hyde from school, joining the Volkswagen apprenticeship programme to start his career in the automotive industry.

Smith Knight Fay’s brand manager, Thomas Koutsavakis, said: “James has worked exceptionally hard during his apprenticeship to become a skilful service technician; he will be a brilliant asset to the team.”

James said: “I’m so pleased to have completed my apprenticeship. All I have ever wanted to do is work with cars and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to become a specialised technician.

“I’m very grateful to Smith Knight Fay and Volkswagen for investing time and money in me so I can do a job I want to do. I plan on taking the training level to become a master technician soon.”

To date Smith Knight Fay has invested over £30,000 in training James to technician standard and will continue to invest their time and money so he can progress to the next step and become a master technician.

It will take James approximately six years of further training to qualify as a master technician and another £100,000 of investment from Smith Knight Fay.