DOUBLE BUSINESS BOOST FOR CREWE RETAILER

A Crewe retailer has boosted its business by appointing two of the region’s most experienced managers.

Crewe Volkswagen has boosted its sales team, welcoming Darren Lancashire as sales manager and Simon Clarke as after sales manager.

The duo brings with them over 25 years’ experience in in the north west motor industry.
Simon, from Nantwich, started his career as an apprentice technician before climbing the career ladder with roles including workshop controller and assistant sales manager.

Speaking of his appointment, 30-year-old Simon, said: “I am looking forward to taking the Crewe Volkswagen team to new successes and providing customers with a service they expect from a prestigious brand.”

Having worked at a range of Volkswagen sites across the country, the last seven years in managerial roles, Darren is confident that the Volkswagen customer approach matches his own.

The 40-year-old from Willaston, said: “I am delighted to have joined the Crewe Volkswagen team and have instantly been made to feel welcome.

“I have always enjoyed working with the Volkswagen brand, the reliability, quality and unbelievable value is second to none. I just wouldn’t be happy working with a product I did not feel passionate about.

“This is a very exciting challenge and one that I’m looking forward to. My first task will be getting to know the staff and customers.”

Crewe Volkswagen’s brand manager, Ben Gilbert, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Darren and Simon to the team. They will both be great assets to Crewe Volkswagen.”

South Wales business appoints two new brand managers

A South Wales business has appointed two of the region’s most experienced automotive managers.

Volkswagen retailer, Sinclair has appointed Clive Hopkins and Tim Gowling to lead their Commercial Vehicle businesses in Swansea and Cardiff.

Clive will bring 35 years of automotive knowledge to the van centre on Gorseinon Road, Swansea, while Tim who has spent 16 years at Sinclair Volkswagen Port Talbot will take over as the head of the Van Centre in Cardiff.

Clive and Tim will be responsible for strengthening the Volkswagen brand and establishing new and maintaining existing relationships with businesses and van drivers in and around South Wales.

Speaking about the new role, Tim said “I’m delighted to be taking this role and look forward to continuing the high quality of customer service”.

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.