Ipswich business receives a £75,000 boost

An award-winning Ipswich business is investing £75,000 to improve its facilities for customers.

Wolsey Van Centre, which was awarded the 2010 Most Valued Volkswagen Van Centre Gold Award by the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brand, will undergo the refurbishment programme during December and January.

The showroom will be expanded to 350 square metres, allowing customers to view a wider range of vehicles. Customers will also benefit from improved refreshment facilities and extending opening hours, as Wolsey Van Centre head of business, David Nichols explains.

“We understand that most of our customers operate vans to support their businesses and time is very valuable to them. So for this reason we are improving our facilities to meet their needs both in sales and servicing.

“The van centre will remain open throughout the refurbishment and we expect the work to be completed by February.

“We continually strive to provide the best customer service which is evident in our award which was received for exceptional business performance and customer service.

“Coupled with the fact that Volkswagen was recently named at the most reliable van brand according to a reliability survey by Fleet News we believe the refurbishment will provide an ideal showcase for the increasing Volkswagen range.”

Persimmon Homes welcomes Chancellor's autumn statement on new homes

Persimmon Homes today welcomed news in Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement that the Government is determined to deliver new homes for families that need them; ownership for families that inspire to own them and new jobs in the construction industry.

Steve Roche, group communications director, Persimmon Homes, said of the statement: “The Get Britain Building Fund, announced last week, but reinforced again in today’s Autumn Statement, will help both the industry and house buyers alike.

“This initiative, along with last week’s announcement of the Government and industry-backed mortgage indemnity scheme, will enable mortgage lenders to offer 95 per cent loans on new build homes, dramatically reducing the deposits people have to save.

“The news to support new developments which could include modern garden cities, urban and village extensions is also of interest to us. We now await further information about the Government’s invitation for proposals from developers and local authorities for new developments that have clear local support.”

Law firm expands communications operation

A leading West Midlands law firm is expanding its communications operation by appointing a new marketing manager.

Higgs & Sons, which was named Law Firm of the Year for 2011 by the Birmingham Law Society, has hired 26-year-old Anna Moreton to support the communications strategy for the firm.

Speaking of her appointment, Anna said: “I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to work for Higgs. My appointment is part of a larger plan to further improve methods of communication with our clients, so that we’ll be able to deliver even higher standards of service in the future.”

After studying design at Wolverhampton University, Anna took on an Open University degree course in business and a business advisory and marketing role at Business Link. Since then, Anna has worked in marketing for Homeserve Limited and Eversheds solicitors LLP.

Anna concluded: “I’m very much looking forward to being part of a successful team here at Higgs and contributing to the firm’s long-term success.”

Managing partner, Paul Hunt said: “Anna’s appointment will support us as we continue to grow. 2011 has been a fantastic year for the firm and we are pleased that Anna is joining us at this exciting time.”

To find out more about Higgs, visit www.higgsandsons.co.uk.

Van centre pledge to ‘BOB’ air ambulance

A Milton Keynes business has pledged to raise thousands of pounds before Christmas for the region’s air ambulance service.

Wayside Volkswagen Van Centre is donating £10 for every test drive taken from now until the end of the year, with all proceeds going to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

More affectionately referred to as ‘BOB’, the air ambulance service covers the three counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

As the local service for Milton Keynes residents, the air ambulance completes on average one mission a week in the area.

The Volkswagen business has committed to a minimum donation of £1,000 but is expecting demand for its new test drive service to generate even more funds.

Wayside Volkswagen Van Centre fleet sales manager, Paul Robertson, said: “You just never know when you may require the air ambulance and to know that there is a team of experts on hand who may just save you or your loved ones’ life, is very reassuring.”

The charity run service has to raise £2.8 million a year to enable the air ambulance to keep flying. It presently completes on average three missions a day costing £2,000 for each flight.

Paul, added: “To help raise as much as possible for ‘BOB’, we have launched a new test drive programme where we take the vehicles direct to the businesses, removing the need for the customers travelling to us.”

Air Ambulance fundraising manager for Milton Keynes, Laura Nicholas, said: “We are completely reliant on the support of businesses like Wayside Volkswagen Van Centre to ensure our ongoing service so certainly hope that many van operators take advantage of the test drive programme.”

The ‘BOB’ air ambulance service is in its 11th year of operation and is continually raising funds to help increase its flying hours and to strengthen its service for the region.

The response team consists of two pilots and 16 paramedics, who also work for the land ambulance service on a shift basis. In addition the air ambulance has five volunteer doctors. To support the ‘BOB’ Air Ambulance visit http://www.supportbob.co.uk/.

To test drive a Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter, Crafter or Amarok and help raise funds for ‘BOB’, call Wayside Volkswagen Van centre on 01908 366 300 or visit http://www.jardinemotors.co.uk/

Stourbridge teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Kingswinford has embarked on a three-year training course with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Matthew Garbutt has been accepted by Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, to be the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Stourbridge Volkswagen will invest nearly £40,000 to train Matthew through to technician status.

The 17-year old joined straight from leaving Stourbridge College where he studied motor vehicles, and is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working in the automotive industry for a highly regarded brand.

Speaking of his new role Matthew, said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and very grateful to Stourbridge Volkswagen for giving me this chance.

“It has always been my goal to become a technician. I am looking forward to gaining hands on experience and working alongside the team of highly trained technicians at Stourbridge, learning from their wealth of experience.

“I am very pleased to be working for the Volkswagen brand and after completing the apprenticeship hope to develop a career in the motor industry.”

Stourbridge Volkswagen service manager, Paul Robinson, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important that local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

“Matthew’s passion for cars was one of the main reasons why he’s been given this place on the apprenticeship programme.

“He may only be 17, but we are confident Matthew will come through the next three years with flying colours.”

FUEL SAVING OPPORTUNITY FOR STRATFORD MOTORISTS

Cheaper motoring is now more accessible in Stratford-upon-Avon, thanks to increased availability of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from Autogas.

The cleaner burning automotive fuel can dramatically reduce fuel costs by up to 40 per cent and to highlight its availability at Shell Bridgetown, Shipston Road, Autogas will be holding an awareness day on the forecourt on Friday 2 December from 12 noon until 4pm.

Mr Nadhim Zahawi MP will officially mark the availability of LPG in the region by attending the awareness day and motorists will also be able to take advantage of a promotional offer and discount on the price of LPG.

Experts from Autogas and a local UKLPG approved conversion specialist will be giving motorists advice on LPG vehicles and how to switch and save. 

As the UK’s leading LPG supplier, Autogas, has pledged to open more LPG refuelling sites across the UK and has identified Stratford-upon-Avon as a key site for increasing nationwide availability.

The company’s business development manager, Paul Oxford explains:  “At a time of ever increasing petrol and diesel prices, LPG cannot be ignored as an alternative. It currently retails at an average price of 74.5 pence per litre, compared to 133.4 ppl for petrol and 141.3 ppl for diesel*.”

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, has an established and easily accessible refuelling network and is available from 1,400 public refuelling points up and down the country; with the majority of Autogas Limited LPG refuelling sites being located on Shell forecourts on motorways, major trunk roads and in major conurbations, allowing drivers to benefit from all the normal forecourt facilities including fuel card payments.”

Paul Oxford adds: “What drivers really like is the fact that it’s the same as driving a petrol car with no compromise on vehicle range and performance. With over a third of Shell owned UK forecourts now retailing autogas drivers don’t have to go out of their way to refuel. In fact to make life easier we provide a free to download sat-nav site locator on our website’’

For more information, visit the Shell Bridgetown forecourt on Shipston Road on Friday 2^nd December from 12 noon until 4pm to receive one to one advice on switching to LPG. Alternatively, visit www.autogas.ltd.uk or call 0800 077 8591.

ENDS

* Prices taken from www.petrolprices.com, 22 November 2011

BTCC STAR RACES INTO HOPWOOD SERVICES

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race ace, Tom Onslow-Cole, will be star of the show next week as Autogas Limited marks the availability of LPG at Hopwood Services. Visitors to the event will be in with the chance of winning two VIP tickets for a BTCC race meeting during the 2012 season.

Representatives from Autogas, the UK’s leading Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, will be hosting the event at Hopwood Services from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 26^th November.

Tom, who has recently converted his Range Rover Sport to run on LPG, will join the team from 10 am -12 noon giving away Autogas merchandise to visitors to the event. Motorists filling up with LPG on the forecourt during the event will benefit from a £5 fuel voucher for LPG purchases over 35 litres.

Commenting on the event Autogas general manager, Jem Aldridge, says “Fuel prices are hot on the agenda at the moment and motorists are looking for ways to save money on their fuel and motoring costs.

“Every penny counts and Autogas LPG offers a significant saving without the compromises and anxiety associated with other ‘alternative’ fuel types. In fact, it can help motorists cut fuel costs by up to 40 per cent.”

The company’s Business Development Manager, Paul Oxford adds: “At a time of ever increasing petrol and diesel prices, LPG cannot be ignored as an alternative. It currently retails at an average price of 73.9 pence per litre, compared to 133.7 ppl for petrol and 140.9 ppl for diesel*.”

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, has an established and easily accessible refuelling network and is available from 1,400 public refuelling points up and down the country including eight sites in the West Midlands; with the majority of Autogas Limited LPG refuelling sites being located on Shell forecourts on motorways and major trunk roads, allowing drivers to benefit from all the normal forecourt facilities including fuel card payments.

Paul Oxford adds: “What drivers really like is the fact that it’s the same as driving a petrol car with no compromise on vehicle range and performance. With over 10% of UK forecourts now retailing autogas drivers don’t have to go out of their way to refuel. In fact to make life easier we provide a free to download satnav site locator on our website’’

ENDS

* Prices taken from www.petrolprices.com, 15 November 2011

Issued on behalf of Autogas by Connect PR

For further information, please contact Kathy Hodson

Connect PR, The Chubb Building, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT

Tel: 01902 714957 / 07890 381725

Email: Kathy@connect-group.com