BUSINESS SHOCKED AS LETTER ARRIVES FROM 1993

When a recent delivery of mail arrived at a West Cumbrian business one letter stood out from the rest.

As Walkingshaw Volkswagen staff looked through the delivery they noticed one of the envelopes had taken a while to reach the business.

For the letter was posted in 1993, meaning it had taken 18 years to reach its destination, even though it was sent from a company just 18 miles down the road in Calderbridge.

The letter was sent to Walkingshaw’s old address, but even more remarkable was the contents of the envelope; it contained a cheque for a payment on a car.

Andy Walkingshaw, brand manager at Walkingshaw Volkswagen, said: “We noticed the letter was unusual because it was in a plastic bag with a note from the Post Office offering apologies for the poor condition of the item.

“When we looked at the date stamp we realised just how long it had taken to reach us and were amazed.

“I don’t think the company that issued the cheque is still in existence, but anyway the delay would mean it could no longer be cashed. There must have been some amusing conversations back in 1993 along the lines of ‘the cheque’s in the post’.

“Although this was before my time and no-one here can remember the incident, I’m sure the money would have been paid eventually.


“We’ve been in business since 1968 and a Volkswagen franchise since 1985, but we’ve never had anything arrive this late before, post or otherwise.

“We moved to our new site at Lillyhall in 1999 so for the letter to reach us after so long is remarkable.”

The envelope and its contents have now been filed in the company’s archives but the incident is still providing a talking point for staff and customers alike.

TOP TECHNICIAN REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

A West Cumbrian technician is celebrating reaching the top of his profession after qualifying from a national programme.

Joseph Hyslop recently gained his master technician status after working his way through the Volkswagen Academy training programme.

The 60-year-old is one of the most experienced technicians in the UK and has spent all his working life in the motor industry, 33 of which have been at Walkingshaw Volkswagen in Workington.



Now one of the UK’s top Volkswagen technicians, he will pass on his 44 years’ of experience to the Lillyhall site’s apprentice technicians.

He said: “I am over the moon to I have reached the top of my profession and it’s extremely rewarding to know I can now pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of technicians.

“I’m very grateful to Walkingshaw Volkswagen for giving me the chance to prove my worth, believing in me and for investing in my training.”

Walkingshaw Volkswagen’s brand manager, Andy Walkingshaw, said: “Joseph is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.

“He’s hard working, intelligent and the apprentices at Walkingshaw are lucky to have a technician of his calibre teaching them.

“It costs approximately £100,000 for a technician to reach master technician status, but Joseph is worth every penny.”

APPRENTICE MAKES THE GRADE FOR MOTORSPORT

A Brigham apprentice has been selected from hundreds of applicants to be part of a new Volkswagen motorsport team.

Robert Pammenton, who is learning his trade as a car technician at Workington Volkswagen retailer Walkingshaw, impressed judges with his knowledge of motor performance at a team selection day recently.

The process was extremely competitive, after Volkswagen receiving over 300 applications from apprentices all over the UK for just 12 positions.

The 18-year-old spoke of his delight at securing a prestigious place on the motorsport team, that will last for a year. He said: “I’m thrilled that I have this very rare opportunity to apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to motorsport

“I owe a great deal to Walkingshaw and Volkswagen, they’ve given me so much already with my apprenticeship and this feels like the icing on the cake – I’m so excited.”

Following his selection, Pammenton and his team-mates supported a Skoda Fabia rally car at an event in Worcestershire, where it performed rides, drives and public displays.

Walkingshaw’s brand manager, Andy Walkingshaw, said: “Robert has great passion about his job and his hard work has paid off by this reward.

“It’s great for the region to have a representative working for a national team and that Walkingshaw Volkswagen is training apprentices to the highest standard.”

Now half-way through his three-year apprenticeship course, the car enthusiast reaffirmed his desire to reach great heights as a motor technician.

Robert added: “This is the only job I have ever wanted to do. I’m building my knowledge base and experience all of the time and I’m determined to reach the very top of my profession.”

TRIPLE APPOINTMENT BOOSTS RETAILER

A Workington car retailer has increased its service and expertise with the expansion of the company’s aftersales team.

Walkingshaw Volkswagen has appointed Mike Gill as its new after sales manager; he will now lead the twelve strong team.

With almost 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry with Volkswagen, Mike will be passing on his knowledge to Walkingshaw’s two other new staff, service advisor Kerry Duthie and technician Craig Tremble.

Mike began his career in his native Cumbria in 1986 as a car valetor before climbing the career ladder with Volkswagen in the north west of England.

His experience as parts advisor, service advisor, service manager and aftersales manager has given Mike a clear understanding of motorists’ needs, something he plans to pass on to customer and staff alike.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this role and working back in Cumbria. I’m looking forward to continuing the high quality of customer service associated with Walkingshaw.

“The company has a superb track record with customers, and is renowned as being a great place to work at.”

Kerry (23) from Frizington has gained customer service experience in her previous role as a home carer while Craig (29) from Workington has experienced the motor trade as a technician.

Walkingshaw’s brand manager, Andy Walkingshaw, said: “Mike has a superb track record in the automotive industry and brings with him a vast amount of brand awareness gained through experience across all retail sectors.

“The appointment of Mike, Kerry and Craig will only strengthen the company and provide a bank of knowledge and superb customer service for everyone associated with the site.”

RETAILER IS ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST

A service team from West Cumbria has been named as one of the top ten in the UK after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

The team from Walkingshaw Volkswagen in Workington is also among the top 100 in Europe for the Volkswagen brand.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent customer loyalty figures ensured Walkingshaw secured its status as one of Britain’s best.

The award is yet another triumph for the retailer after the sales team scooped a similar honour earlier this year.

Andy Walkingshaw, brand manager at Walkingshaw, said: “To have one of the best service and sales teams in the UK is testament to the brilliance of everyone at the retailer.

“The service team thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as they have strived to deliver total customer satisfaction.

“The team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given the correct information before, during and after their car is in the workshop.”

“Their positive attitude has inspired everyone at the site and is demonstrated with this award.”

Andy will be presented with the award at a Volkswagen ceremony in Germany in September.

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