NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR WOLSEY VAN CENTRE

An Ipswich business has received national recognition for being the top Volkswagen Van Centre in the United Kingdom after consistently overachieving in customer satisfaction and business performance during 2010.

Wolsey Van Centre, part of the Marriott Motor Group, was awarded the prestigious ‘2010 Most Valued Van Centre Award’ Gold title by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at a glittering award ceremony in London’s Canary Wharf hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

The Sproughton Road business had already claimed the top position for three consecutive quarters in 2010 but was delighted to have achieved the overall annual accolade, beating 71 other van centres.

Head of Business at Wolsey Van Centre, David Nichols, commented: “We always strive to deliver the best possible service for our customers and we are delighted that this has been acknowledged by winning the national 2010 award.

“To have achieved this status over the entire UK network of van centres is testament to the team’s hard work and commitment. It makes me very proud and honoured to be working alongside such a dedicated group,” he continued.

Volkswagen Commercials Vehicles UK closely monitors all aspects of its van centres’ operations from customer satisfaction and aftersales through to sales and key business performance. Scores are collated throughout the year, accumulating in the annual result.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Director, Simon Elliot, who presented the award, added: “The Wolsey team surpassed its competitors in every category and thoroughly deserves to have received the national title.”

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle award ceremony took place at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London which saw entertainment provided by X-Factor star and I’m a Celebrity’s ‘Queen of the Jungle’, Stacey Solomon.

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

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR NEW BUSINESS

A Derby-based Volkswagen van centre is celebrating after receiving national recognition for its partnership with local businesses and community projects.

Imperial Commercials Volkswagen Van Centre on Ashbourne Road was awarded the ‘Most Valued Van Centre’ for its marketing strategy by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK at a glittering award ceremony in London’s Canary Wharf, hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.

The Volkswagen van centre, which is only in its first year of business, has established strong relationships with Derby County Football Club and local radio stations by helping to support and raise the profile of the business’ charity and community work.

Earlier this year, the Ashbourne Road van centre provided Derby County FC’s mascot, Rammie, with a vehicle to support his growing number of local public appearances. It was the first time for such a sponsorship, and has helped to increase the number of school activities, charity events and local attractions that Rammie can now attend.

Speaking of the annual accolade, which saw the new Volkswagen business beat 71 other van centres, Matt Lawrenson, regional director of Imperial Commercials, said: “We are delighted to have received this award, especially with it being such a young business to the brand.’’

“We believe it is integral to our success to support local initiatives, businesses and charity projects that will ultimately benefit the community.”

Volkswagen Commercials Vehicles UK closely monitors all aspects of its van centres’ operations from customer satisfaction and aftersales through to sales and key business performance. Scores are collated throughout the year, accumulating in the annual result.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK director, Simon Elliot, who presented the award, added: “The Imperial Commercials team demonstrated a clear understanding of its community opportunities and surpassed its competitors with its past and ongoing marketing strategy.”

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle award ceremony took place at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London which saw entertainment provided by X-Factor star and I’m a Celebrity’s ‘Queen of the Jungle’, Stacey Solomon.

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

NATIONAL REGCONITION FOR YORKSHIRE BUSINESS

A West Yorkshire van centre is celebrating after receiving national recognition for its work in 2010.

Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) was named runner up in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ‘Most Valued Van Centre’ 2010, at a glittering award ceremony in Canary Wharf, hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.
The Volkswagen business, based in Cleckheaton, competed against 71 other UK van centres for the award at the annual ceremony.

Volkswagen Commercials Vehicles closely monitors all aspects of its van centres, from customer satisfaction and aftersales through to sales and key business performance. Scores are collated throughout the year, accumulating in the annual result.

Andrew Caygill, director at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), said: “We are delighted to have received this honour, especially as it recognises the best van centres in the country.

“Winning the silver award is testament to the hard work all our staff put in during the year.

“In the current economic climate, it’s vital for businesses to ensure consumers are pleased with the service they receive, therefore it is essential we have a motivated and diverse team that all have the same common goal.

“Customers satisfaction is our main priority, as without customers the business simply wouldn’t exist.”

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle award ceremony took place at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf which saw entertainment provided by X-Factor star and Queen of the Jungle, Stacey Solomon.

YORK RETAILER APPOINTS NEW HEAD

A York retailer has appointed one of the region’s most experienced automotive managers as its new head of business.

JCT600 Volkswagen Van Centre has appointed Kevin Fretwell to lead its commercial vehicle team, based in Clifton Moor.

The 51-year-old brings with over 30 years in and around the automotive industry.


He began his career as an apprentice technician in 1976, and has held key managerial roles for a number of major manufacturers in the region.

Kevin will be responsible for strengthening the Volkswagen brand and establishing new and maintaining existing relationships with businesses and van drivers in and around York.

The father of two said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this role and look forward to continuing the high quality of customer service.

“JCT600 Volkswagen’s friendly, professional and dedicated work force will make it an enjoyable working environment.

“My challenge is to expand the business and enhance our reputation in the local area and it is one that I’m looking forward to progressing.

“But the first task is spending time getting to know all of the staff and existing customers.”

“I’ve had an amazing start to 2011, after recently getting married.”

BUSINESS IS BOOMING FOR NEW LIVERPOOL COMPANY

One of Liverpool’s newest businesses has posted better than expected results for its first month since opening, resulting in a new search for staff.

Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre’s new van sales were 80 per cent up on target, while service hours were up 25 per cent.

The positive news for the Speke-based dealership, means the company has vacancies to fill.

David Cowan, head of business at the Evans Road site, said: “This is excellent news for the business, given the economic climate and the fact we’re new to the city.

“It shows how the Volkswagen brand provides superb value for money and the staff at the van centre are delivering what customers want.

“We hope this trend continues and look forward to more encouraging results and business throughout 2011.”

The current positions available are sales executives, technicians and drivers. Interested parties should forward CVs to Liverpool Van Centre.

HALF MILLION POUND BUSINESS INVESTMENT FOR NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE

Imperial Commercials, the UK’s largest independent commercial vehicle group, has invested half a million pounds in a new state-of-the-art van centre which will see the return of the Volkswagen brand to The Potteries and South Cheshire area.

Imperial Commercials has transformed a four acre site on Leek New Road, Cobridge which will provide a 24 hour workshop, showroom and forecourt display for over 40 Volkswagen vehicles.

The redevelopment will expand the commercial vehicle specialist’s presence in Stoke and bring new jobs to the area.

The existing site has been home to Imperial Commercials DAF truck dealership for over 20 years and has been refurbished as part of the redevelopment programme and will remain at this location. The new Volkswagen Van Centre and showroom will be situated at the front of the building.

Imperial Commercials, Executive Director, Geoff Haspell, said: “We are delighted to bring the Volkswagen brand to the area. We now have two ‘world class’ franchise partners which will ensure that more customers will benefit from our commercial vehicle expertise.

“The highly regarded Volkswagen range continues to expand which will allow the van centre to enter new markets locally and provide a more comprehensive service for van operators.

“As part of the new development we’ve created new jobs and have a combined staffing level of 56 employees across the site with future growth expected as the new business division strengthens.

“Keeping a business fleet on the road is of paramount importance so our 24 hour opening will provide our customers with the facility to get their vehicles serviced overnight, so minimizing any downtime.”

The management team consists of Volkswagen Van Centre, Head of Business, Gareth Kaye, Sales Manager, Simon Jackson, Service Manager, Des Todd and Parts Manager, Rob Sherratt.

Imperial Commercials is the UK’s largest Independent Commercial Vehicle Dealer Group. It supplies both new and used trucks and vans including servicing and parts from its extensive network of franchises including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, DAF Trucks, Ford Commercials, FIAT Professional, MAN Trucks, Renault Trucks, Nissan Commercial Vehicles, ISUZU Trucks and HINO Trucks.

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

VAN CENTRE APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF BUSINESS

A Volkswagen Van Centre welcomes the appointment of a new head of business to its Swindon village site in Cheltenham.

John Seddon, from Gloucester has accepted the role at Cheltenham Volkswagen Van Centre, bringing with him over 20 years of automotive experience.

The 49 year old began his career as an apprentice in the local engineering industry before moving into the light commercial vehicle sector in 1990.

John, who has held key managerial roles for various well known brands, will be responsible for strengthening the Volkswagen brand and establishing new and maintaining existing relationships with businesses and van drivers in the Gloucestershire area.

The father of Four said: “Cheltenham Volkswagen’s friendly, professional and dedicated work force will make it an enjoyable working environment .

“My challenge is to expand the business and enhance our reputation in the local area and it is one that I’m looking forward to progressing.

“My first task is spending time getting to know all of the staff and existing customers.”