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.”

STUDENTS GET SUPPORT FROM CAR RETAILER

A Haywards Heath car retailer has teamed up with a sixth form college to give students a taste of the real-life business world.

Caffyns Volkswagen has linked up with Haywards Heath Sixth Form College to provide BTEC Business Studies students with an insight into the business operations within the automotive industry.

In addition, Caffyns Volkswagen Haywards Heath has sponsored the college’s enrichment event, E2010, by providing a vehicle for licensed students to develop their driving skills.

Course co-ordinator for business at Haywards Heath Sixth Form College, Selene Edwards, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caffyns and are very grateful for their sponsorship.

“It is thanks to businesses like Caffyns who help provide our students with a valuable insight into real-life business scenarios.”

A total of 16 students from the two-year BTEC National Certificate in Business will visit the Volkswagen car retailer and spend time with key individuals understanding a typical days operations.

Brand manager at Caffyns Volkswagen, Mark Dunn, added: “As a local business we feel it’s important to help support our future generation of workers.

“The partnership with Haywards Heath Sixth Form College enables Caffyns to play an important role in local education and provide school leavers the opportunity to escape the classroom and learn real life skills.”

OVER HALF A MILLION POUNDS INVESTED INTO A LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS

A former LDV dealership is celebrating after being in business for 50 years in addition to completing it’s transformation into a new Ford Dealership.

Imperial Commercials on Park Road, Halesowen has been in business for 50 years and self generated £725,000 to refurbish their whole site to become a new Ford Commercial Vehicle dealership in the West Midlands.

The investment has seen Imperial Commercials transform their original showroom. The new showroom allows for three vans to be displayed in addition to the 25 vehicles outside.

The move to a Ford dealership has already reflected positively on half yearly sales, with Imperial Commercials smashing target in quarter one and quarter two looks to be just as successful.

Franchise manager, John Asbury said: “We’re moving forward from our days as an LDV dealer and looking towards the future. The investment to be a Ford Dealership, we hope, will continue to grow the business and improve the services available to commercial vehicle customers in the area.

“I believe Imperial Commercials success comes down to key business fundamentals which are promises on price, products, delivery and aftersales support. By exceeding these customer expectations we can expect another 50 years in business.”

The site which employs 130 people, offer customers 24 hour aftersales service, parts supply, bodywork, paint and accident repair.

To find out more about Imperial Commercials Halesowen call 01384 424 500