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.”

VAN CENTRES NEW SERVICE GETS CUSTOMERS MOVING

A Bury St Edmunds van centre is helping motorists with disabilities get into the driving seat after being awarded Motability Premier Partner status.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) is delighted to receive the Motability accreditation which will expand its existing services enabling customers to take advantage of the Government’s mobility allowance.

The Motability Scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability - offers individuals with disabilities who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, a brand new vehicle every three years.

The scheme includes insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over the three years and free tyre replacement.

The Northern Way van centre can provide drivers with the complete range of Volkswagen commercial vehicles and is expecting the seven seat passenger vehicles, such as the Caddy Maxi Life and Caravelle, to be most popular.

“Motability customers can feel confident that an expert is always on hand to provide advice on who is eligible for the scheme and how to apply,” explains David Nichols, head of business at Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds).

“We are continually looking at ways in which to improve our facilities and services for our customers and hope our new Motability status will be welcomed by Bury St Edmund drivers,” concluded David.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) is suitably equipped for motability customers, offering designated disabled toilets, parking and a spacious hospitality lounge area to ensure customers receive a trouble-free motoring experience.

If you would like more details about how Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) contact John Clarke on 01284 715900

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

Telford business receives government training boost

A Telford business has introduced a new government-funded apprentice training programme aimed at strengthening its customer service.

Inchcape Volkswagen, in association with the Learning Skills Partnership, has launched a course to introduce new talent into the automotive industry and enhance its offering.

Amy Swingler, from Trench, accepted the new customer host role and will begin a six month intensive training programme, resulting in a NVQ Level 2 customer service qualification.

The 18-year-old successfully completed an assessment day which included group exercises and an individual presentation in front of a panel of Inchcape managers and representatives from the Learning Skills Partnership, in addition to a one-to-one interview.

Speaking of her appointment, Amy added: “I had recently completed my A-levels and decided an apprenticeship would be the ideally opportunity to start building my business skills. The interview process was very nerve wracking but I am delighted to have secured the position.”

The dedicated role was launched following customers feedback. The training programme covers all customer facing skills including body language and problem solving plus in-depth product knowledge.

Volkswagen passenger cars is carrying out a pilot scheme with the Learning Skills Partnership across a number of sites in the UK as course co-ordinator, Lee Wilks explains.

He said: “The on-going pilot scheme has shown promise and will be fully assessed in the near future. We hope the government-funded programme will continue and introduce further customer host roles across the Volkswagen network.”

Inchcape Telford’s brand manager, Andy Poole, said: “This new role is not about selling its more about being the first point of contact for customers, ensuring their experience is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“This role is introducing new blood into the industry and therefore a clear training framework will help nurture and develop Amy’s skills; after all she could be one of our future managers.”

Austin knocks Wrathall off top spot for HiQ champagne moment win

There’s no doubt who fans of the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship were most impressed with at Rockingham, judging by Rob Austin’s landslide HiQ Champagne Moment victory.

A whopping 46 per-cent of supporters voted for the Worcestershire speedster to scoop the bubbly, in the biggest margin recorded by HiQ all season.

Rob claimed the fastest overall lap in his Audi A4 in the second practice of the day, pre-empting a 2^nd place podium in race three at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Winning fan Gerry Barclay praised Rob for his ‘tenacious driving’ and his ability to storm up the grid in qualifying and in races two and three.

Not surprisingly, Frank Wrathall – winner of the last two HiQ champagne moments - took second place with 29 per cent of the vote, and James Nash was third with 14 per cent.

Gerry has won the opportunity to present Rob with champagne at the penultimate round of the season, Brands Hatch this weekend.

Gerry will also receive two tickets for the race weekend and a complimentary grid walk before one of the races.

To vote for a HiQ Champagne Moment and stand a chance of winning a race weekend experience to treasure, click on http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/hiqBtcc/champagneMoments/

ALTRINCHAM MAN CELBRATES TWO DECADES IN INDUSTRY

An Altrincham man is celebrating after reaching a major career milestone.

Alister Stones, who works at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen on Manchester Road, has chalked up 20 years in the motor industry, most of which have been with Volkswagen.

The 42-year-old (above) originally trained as a joiner and then financial advisor, before he took up a sales role in the automotive industry working alongside his mum. He is now the brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen.

Alister puts his long length of service down to people he has worked with over the years, the ever changing nature of the automotive industry and of course the tutoring he had from working with his mum.

He said: “The time has just flown by. I thoroughly enjoy working with cars and I’m glad I’ve been able to progress a career I enjoy.

“Everyone at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen has congratulated me on reaching this landmark and I’m looking forward to celebrating many more years to come.

“The ever changing nature of the job ensures I’m kept busy and I look forward to going to work every day. That’s not something everyone can say.”

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.

GEE CROSS YOUNGSTER IS OFF TO A FLYING START

Three years of hard work and training have paid off for Gee Cross' James Kidd after he graduated from his technician apprenticeship.

The 20-year-old joined Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen in Hyde from school, joining the Volkswagen apprenticeship programme to start his career in the automotive industry.

Smith Knight Fay’s brand manager, Thomas Koutsavakis, said: “James has worked exceptionally hard during his apprenticeship to become a skilful service technician; he will be a brilliant asset to the team.”

James said: “I’m so pleased to have completed my apprenticeship. All I have ever wanted to do is work with cars and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to become a specialised technician.

“I’m very grateful to Smith Knight Fay and Volkswagen for investing time and money in me so I can do a job I want to do. I plan on taking the training level to become a master technician soon.”

To date Smith Knight Fay has invested over £30,000 in training James to technician standard and will continue to invest their time and money so he can progress to the next step and become a master technician.

It will take James approximately six years of further training to qualify as a master technician and another £100,000 of investment from Smith Knight Fay.