Kings Lynn Volkswagen boosts its senior management team

A Kings Lynn business has boosted its senior management by appointing a new motoring expert to lead its team.

Graham Mitchell will head up Kings Lynn Volkswagen’s sales team bringing with him over a decade of brand experience.

The 32-year-old, who has moved to the area for family reasons, intends to focus on strengthening the level of customer service and provide the most affordable solution to meet motorists’ needs.

Graham will lead the team of three and could be looking at recruiting an additional team member early next year as the business continues to grow.

The former office based sales manager transferred to the automotive sector after realising he preferred face-to-face contact with customers.

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

He said: “I am delighted to have joined the Bergen Way Volkswagen team and have instantly been made to feel welcome.

“I have always loved 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.

“My first task is getting to know staff and customers and focus on customer service procedures.

“I am looking forward to taking the Kings Lynn Volkswagen team to new successes.”

Austin Seales, Kings Lynn Volkswagen’s brand manager, said: “Graham’s experience and passion is a valuable addition to the team.

“We believe he will make a significant impact with customers during this challenging time in the automotive industry.”

For further information please contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957.

MERTHYR RETAILER BOOSTED BY NEW MANAGEMENT

A retailer in Merthyr Tydfil has boosted its senior management with the appointment of a new sales manager.

Keith East has joined Capitol Volkswagen bringing with him over 12 years’ experience across a range of high profile manufacturers in the south Wales motor industry.

He began his career as a trainee sales executive in 1997 after leaving school, and has progressed through various roles including sales executive and business manager.

The 31-year-old is now back in the town where he grew up and is looking forward to the challenge.

Keith said: “I’m thrilled to be working in the town I call ‘home’ with new ideas on how to continue the high quality of customer service.

“I want to help bring a breath of fresh air to the retailer and provide the service people come to expect from such a prestigious name.”

Gareth Cleverly, brand manager at Capitol Volkswagen, said: “Keith has a superb track record in the automotive industry and brings to Merthyr a vast amount of brand awareness gained through experience across all retail sectors.

“His appointment will strengthen the brand in the town and provide a bank of knowledge for everyone associated with the site.”

SALES MANAGER GRADUATES FROM EXCLUSIVE COURSE

A sales manager from a Belfast car retailer is celebrating after becoming one of the first in the country to graduate from a new two year sales manager training programme.

Ian Calderwood from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen retailer recently completed the course which was designed by the Volkswagen training academy to retain some of the top talent in the industry.

The Boucher Road sales manager from Newtownards had to pass tough exams in law, customer service, product knowledge, coaching and recruitment to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

Ian received his qualification at a recent awards ceremony held at the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Having worked for the car retailer for 12 years Ian has progressed from a technician through to sales executive and on to his current role of sales manager.
Commenting on course Ian said: “I found the course to be very beneficial and I believe it will strengthen the standard of service we offer. It was a great honour to be taken to Germany to receive the qualification and one that I will certainly remember.”

The course culminated in assessments through exams and interviews, and a three month project presented to a panel of Volkswagen directors.

Brian Robinson, managing director at Isaac Agnew said: “We believe having skilled and knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of a business.

“The course is designed to equip our senior staff with the very best knowledge to deal with customers and pass on to other employees.”

For further information please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.

SALES TEAM HAS A MAKEOVER IN IPSWICH

Ipswich Volkswagen retailer, Wolsey, has boosted its senior management team with the appointment of a new sales manager.

David Cooper has been promoted at the Sproughton Road site after three years as business manager.

The 26-year-old began his automotive career in 2001 after pursuing his childhood ambition to sell cars. David has swiftly progressed up the ladder starting as a sales executive and has spent the last five years as a business manager for both the Inchcape Group and more recently Wolsey Volkswagen.

David said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to growing the business.

“I aim to help bring a breath of fresh air to the Wolsey sales team and continue to develop the high level of customer service that people have come to expect.

“I’m grateful to Wolsey Volkswagen for giving me this opportunity to develop my career.”

Tim Hargraves, brand manager for Wolsey Volkswagen, said: “David is very ambitious and has already demonstrated a superb track record during his time at Wolsey.

“We believe he will make a significant impact on the team and customers during this challenging time in the automotive industry.”

Picture caption: l-r Wolsey Volkswagen’s brand manager, Tim Hargraves welcomes new sales manager, David Cooper.

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

HARD WORK PAVES WAY TO SPECIAL AWARD

A sales manager from Swindon has been given an exclusive award after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

Howard Dowler from Mann Egerton Volkswagen in Swindon was presented with the regional 2008 Sales Excellence award at a recent ceremony.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent mystery shopping scores helped Howard to win the award on behalf of the Mann Egerton Volkswagen sales team.

For winning the award he received a trophy, certificate and a short holiday to Cyprus.

Howard said: “I’m thrilled to have won this award again, but couldn’t have done it without the hard work from all members of the sales team.

“The team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given the correct information to enable them to make an informed purchase.”

Jon Owens, brand manager at Mann Egerton, said: “Howard thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as he has strived to deliver total customer satisfaction.

“His positive attitude has inspired the team and is demonstrated with this award.”

Howard will now be looking to continue the teams’ success in 2009.

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