YORKSHIRE BUSINESS IS THE UK’S BEST

A West Yorkshire retailer is celebrating after winning a national annual award.

Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) is now the number one Volkswagen van centre in the UK after being crowned the 2011 ‘Most Valued Van Centre’ at a recent awards ceremony.

The Cleckheaton-based van centre faced competition from 70 other van sites from across the UK, and built upon its success from 2010 where it was presented with the silver award for the ‘Most Valued Van Centre’.

Andrew Caygill, director at the Cleckheaton-based business, was delighted to have reached the top.

He said: “To have achieved this status makes me very proud and honoured to be working with such a dedicated group. This is a great achievement for the whole of the van centre team, as everybody has pulled together to bring in this fantastic performance.

“We believe providing excellent service is central to our business success and are absolutely delighted that this has been acknowledged by winning this award.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles closely monitors all aspects of its van centres operations from customer satisfaction and aftersales through to business performance.

EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR QUEENSBURY MAN

A Queensbury man is celebrating joining an exclusive club after being recognised for spending his entire working life in the automotive industry.

Richard Fairbrother was presented with a Volkswagen Gold Pin, for exceptional service to the brand, at a recent ceremony in London.

The 49-year-old has worked at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) in Cleckheaton for over 25 years, having started in the industry as an apprentice technician aged sixteen.


Richard, the van centre’s workshop controller, said: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin, it’s a huge honour.

“The job brings its own rewards through working closely with all members of staff, and the commitment to family values ever since I joined in 1985.

“I’ve been amazed by the changes to the industry and delighted with the support from Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) as my career has developed.

“The vehicles and technology have changed over the years, but the one constant is the company ethos of customer service and satisfaction, something everyone at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) strives to attain.”

Only about 20 people from Volkswagen are awarded the Gold Pin every year.

Andrew Caygill, head of business at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), said: “Richard thoroughly deserves this award after providing invaluable service to the Volkswagen commercial vehicle brand over many years.

“His positive attitude and support of Volkswagen standards is an inspiration to all staff at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), and is demonstrated with the award of the Gold Pin.”

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.

YORKSHIRE UNITED FOR £1m BUSINESS

A West Yorkshire retailer is celebrating one its biggest account wins this year, after linking with a Leeds-based national company.

Lexia Solutions Group, which deals with a range of environmental issues, has instructed Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) to supply up to 100 commercial vehicles for its fleet.

An initial order of 25 Crafter and Caddy vans has just been delivered, worth approximately £300,000.

Marius Kerr, Lexia Solutions Group’s head of group procurement, said: “The various businesses within Lexia have different requirements in their commercial vehicles, something Volkswagen easily fulfilled.

“Volkswagen’s Crafter is a particularly good vehicle for use within the Bagnall, Thermac and Rhodar divisions.

“But it was the customer service we received from Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), in particular Jason Bradley, that made it a simple decision to choose them.”

Andrew Caygill, brand manager at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), said: “This is a fantastic account win for the company and provides evidence of our customer service excellence standards.

“We look forward to providing Lexia with their fleet of commercial Volkswagens and keeping them on the road.”

YORKSHIRE WORLD CHAMPION GIVEN LOCAL BOOST

A world champion kayaker from Leeds is heading off to the biggest events of the year in luxury thanks to a unique sponsorship.

The deal with Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) means Claire O’Hara from Meanwood is now able to concentrate on competing in the World Cup this weekend in Germany and European Championships in Austria later this month.

Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire) has specifically kitted out a new Transporter T-5 van, allowing enough room for Claire and two other GB team members to travel with all their equipment to the events.

There’s even enough room for a sleeping area for Claire to rest during the thousands of miles on the road.

The 28-year-old is completely self-funded, leaning heavily on her job as sports co-ordinator at Notre Dame College and sponsorships to allow her to compete in world events.

Claire said: “These two events are massive for me and without this sponsorship from Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), I’d be really stuck. It would be similar to paddling my kayak without any paddles!

“This is the second year I’ve received help from the van centre and I hope to reward the generosity by bringing home at least one medal.”

Andrew Caygill, brand manager at Volkswagen Van Centre (West Yorkshire), said: “Claire is a fantastic ambassador for Yorkshire and Britain, so it was an easy decision to loan her the Transporter T-5 and help her compete in Germany and Austria.

“Everyone at the van centre wishes Claire well in her quest to become European Champion.”

Claire currently world champion in the ‘squirt boating’ category of kayaking and is hoping to add the European ‘freestyle’ title this month.

To find out how Claire gets on in the World Cup and European Championships go to her website www.claireohara.co.uk