Dear all,
As we emerge gradually from what feels like the never-ending lockdown, it is great to be able to write to you on an purely optimistic and positive note to announce the 2020/2021 Masters Awards winners.
As you will recall, due to the impact of the lockdowns on the league tables, we re-focussed the 2020/2021 Masters Awards on the nomination categories. Colleagues were invited to make nomination in 14 different categories including for 5 Values based awards covering Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Professionalism and Passion.
To get into the final list to be considered for an award, nominations needed to be seconded by both the General Manager and Operational Director. Those who made it through were then presented to a panel for review that included a selection of the senior team. There were a lot of nominations especially in the Values based categories which is always pleasing to see. The Masters Awards are primarily focussed on non-management colleagues and as such were we have had a management colleague nominated for a Values based award we have left their name in the finalists/nominees listing for recognition even though they could not actually win the award.
Recognition is one of our Group Values and I am sure that each of the winners and nominees will be rightly congratulated locally by their manager and colleagues for their achievement. All winners and their partners will be joining the CEOCOM, the Central Services Executives, and other senior managers at a special event we will hold on the 13th of November. This will include first class travel to a hotel, accommodation and an evening of 1st class entertainment. We will contact award winners directly over the coming week with more information. Hold the date if you are a winner!
I would like the General Managers to ensure that all the winners are aware that they have won and make a point of celebrating the success of all colleagues who were nominated at the next Team Brief.
Our Company is in great shape and with colleagues like this around the country we are well set to have a very successful year.
Congratulations to every colleague on this list.
The Winners are…
Commitment Award
Awarded to the colleague who consistently demonstrates outstanding levels of Commitment in their role. This Value is defined as follows: “We are all determined to achieve total customer and colleague satisfaction by providing a service… built on trust”.
Winner: Owen Billingsley at Glasgow Nissan South
“Owen is a fantastic member of our Sales staff. He continually leads by example when it comes to commitment. Early mornings and late finishes to ensure he is number 1 within the dealership/Division. Owen drives our Google reviews within the business as if its own company. He consistently demonstrates the 5 unteachable's. Owen takes genuine pride in our dealership ensuring the retail display all-round is set to high standards. Our Motability Sales executive William Stein has been off on long term sickness for the best part of a year. During this time Owen has taken on his target along-side his own retail target. Delivering excellent numbers month in month out and delighting his customers in the process. Owen is a great member of our team and thoroughly deserves this award in my opinion.”
Nominated by Barry Lindsay
There were a high number of nominations for this award (as can be see below) – Stepping up to support the team during the last 12 months whilst another colleague was off ill and still delivering the number take a lot of talent and grit. Well done Owen.
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Susan Cockburn: Hyundai Edinburgh West / Multi Franchise Admin Hub
Ryan Weir: Hyundai Edinburgh East
Kevin Money: Honda Lincoln
Dawn Middleton: What Car Leasing
Nick Poole: Ford Redditch
Natalie Jinks Ford Redditch
Diane Conway Nissan Halifax
Georgia O'Leary Ford Gloucester
Attila Bordas Mercedes-Benz of Slough
Peter Warburton JLR Bolton
Damien Rigby Mercedes Fleet Centre
David Whitton JLR Guiseley
Natalie Higgin Ford Birmingham Fleet and Commercial
Danny Bazylewicz Renault Bradford
Keith Fallon Vertu House
Stacey McNally Vertu House
Sarah Pierce Vertu House
Adrian Mitchison Vertu House
Matthew Parks Chesterfield Toyota
Robert Bryce Ford Glasgow
Chris Burns IT Department - Rotterdam House
Amy Savery Vauxhall Northampton
Mark Grimsdell Mercedes Beaconsfield
Ryan Ellis Doncaster Honda
Mark Gorman Stockton Honda
Janine Jackson JLR Leeds
Jonathan Brett Honda Derby
Ben Smith Mercedes-Benz Aylesbury
Gavin Coles Vertu House
Emma Johnson SEAT Derby
Daniel Breen Vauxhall Newcastle
Jindy Sansoa Honda Doncaster
Angela Morea Vauxhall Chingford
Matthew Holmes Volkswagen Skipton
Robert Clayton Volkswagen Leeds
Katie Stanworth Yorkshire Admin Hub
Leanne Brown Newcastle Bodyshop
Integrity Award
Awarded to the colleague who consistently demonstrates outstanding levels of Integrity in their role. This Value is defined as follows: “We are trustworthy and honest in all that we say and do and take responsibility for our own actions”.
Winner: Ashar Awan at Volkswagen Harrogate
“This nomination is in reference to a letter sent directly to Robert Forrester by Mr Andrew Scarrrot: Copy available if required. In brief: Whilst preparing a used car which had been part exchanged into the dealership Ashar Awan found a very expensive SLR Cannon Camera under the passenger side front seat. Ashar immediately gave the camera to Rich Mayo the Used Car Sales Manager, who in turn contacted the previous owner of the car. Mr Scarrott was overjoyed that not only had we found his camera which he had thought lost since July 2019, but at the integrity of the dealership and in particular Ashar Awan - the Valeter who had found it.”
Nominated by Kevin Howe
Built on Trust.. these type of actions deliver on our promise to customers and come down to having the right character.
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Matthew Scattergood Legal Department Vertu House
Aaron Cunliffe Mercedes-Benz of Beaconsfield
David Harries Bradford Nissan
John Dexter Nottingham Honda Cars/Motorcycles and Derby Honda
Passion Award
Awarded to the colleague who consistently demonstrates outstanding levels of Passion in their work. This value is defined as follows: “We are proud of our Group and dedicated to it’s purpose. We are enthusiastic, enjoy challenges and are eager for success.”
Winner: Doreen Rooke at Doncaster & Mansfield Honda
“Doreen has passion for what she does running through her blood. I have never worked with someone who oozes such strong passion in what is an important role with the Honda Central CMA Support and Accounts function. Doreen is always 110% committed to delivering exemplarily high standards of work consistently and first class customer service when dealing with suppliers and customers when required. Doreen will always be fully approachable to all colleagues and will always drop what she is doing in order to help anyone. As expected within her role, Doreen will always ensure policies are adhered to and will always inform departmental Managers of issues. One of her key strengths is her relentless approach to ensuring that issues get resolved. Doreen will always arrive at the dealership early and will only leave until she has completed her comprehensive task list for the day. During what has been a tough year with various lockdowns and reduced colleague levels, Doreen has not been phased by this and has maintained strong focus on ensuring that the Finance function is fully maintained and is also a fountain of knowledge for me being new to the Honda franchise. A huge well done Doreen, a pleasure and privilege to work with, an asset to the business and Group. “
Nominated by Paresh Parmar
Congratulations to the other nominees:
Lauren Paul Rotterdam House
David Spoors Vertu House
Nick Chisnall Rotterdam House
Paul Cox Vansdirect
Attila Bordas Mercedes-Benz of Slough
Harrison Hanson JLR Bolton
John Brookes Ford Redditch
Peter Skuse Ford Gloucester
Debbie Griffiths Birmingham Pdi Centre
Debbie Davis Ford Redditch
Elise Minvielle JLR Leeds
Jason Hurt SEAT Derby
Claire Barlow Mercedes-Benz Aylesbury
Jason Hurt SEAT Derby
Carlos De Sousa Mercedes-Benz Reading
Ian Keighley Nissan Halifax
Julianne Eastgate Mercedes-Benz Beaconsfield
Alex Tatman Ford Orpington
Mark Dethick SEAT Derby
John Brook Vauxhall Newcastle
Simon Butler Nissan Darlington
Rajvinder Aujla JLR Bradford
Jennifer Williams Vauxhall Carlisle
Respect Award
Awarded to the colleague who consistently demonstrates outstanding levels of Respect in their role. This value is defined as follows: “We are friendly and courteous in all our relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers”.
Winner: Keran Fletcher at Renault Exeter
“Keran is a role model employee. Not only is he currently undergoing his Evolution programme to become an Accountant but he has also taken on the role of Health and Safety Co-ordinator this year alongside his training. He has done an excellent job with Health and Safety even when needing to prioritise his month-end tasks. He is respectful to all employees and suppliers, nothing is too much trouble for Keran and he will happily help anyone who needs assistance. He has also this year during the global pandemic taken on the role of Assistant Accountant for Renault Gloucester which is additional work load and hasn't questioned this once. He respects any decisions made and continues to impress. Keran is extremely professional and has an exciting career with Vertu Motors ahead of him.
Nominated by Daniel Mann
Keran looks like an Accountant of the future down in Exeter and I’m sure he will excel on the Accounts Evolution programme. Well done Keran!
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Jonathan Brett Honda Derby
Christopher Fairley Rotterdam House
Keith French Mercedes Beaconsfield
Richard Bernard Mercedes-Benz Aylesbury
Jaspal Kainth Mercedes-Benz Beaconsfield
Rachele Robertson Vauxhall Carlisle
Professionalism Award
Awarded to the colleague who consistently demonstrates outstanding levels of Professionalism in their role. This value is defined as follows: “We are reliable and consistent and we excel in the standards and presentation of our people, products and premises”.
Winner: Jessica Frail at Ford Fleet and Commercials in Birmingham
“Jess is known by everyone as one of the most reliable and capable people in the business. Although her role is "Fleet Administrator" she actually is as competent as any of our National Account Managers and consistently proves this by looking after one of our largest corporate accounts "Johnson Controls". Jess always aims to impress our customers by delivering an exceptionally high standard of service. I often receive emails out of the blue from customers passing on their thanks for the service received from Jess. This week I have received two such emails. The first one was from one of the Johnson Control Managers who is based in Belfast. In February we were asked to deliver a vehicle to his site. The paperwork and organisation that Jess had to put into arranging this delivery was so in depth since Brexit that the customer didn't believe he would receive his new vehicle. He commented to me stating that she was a credit to our Company and should be working for Tesco, as they can't even manage to deliver food stuffs to Northern Ireland let alone a vehicle that has passed between multiple borders. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Jess, I can honestly say that i can leave her to her own devices and she will always find a way to make things work well for both the Company and our customers.”
Nominated by Brain Naughton
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Tracey Taylforth Rotterdam House
Anne-Marie Knight Vertu House
Sam Ward Vans Direct
David Spoors Customer Services
Jonathan Snelgrove Vertu Cosmetic Repair
Philip James Mercedes-Benz of Slough
Danielle Springthorpe JLR Leeds
David Mitchell Nissan Halifax
James Kyle Volkswagen Harrogate
Neil McPherson Macklin Motors Paisley
Steven Cripps Mercedes-Benz Beaconsfield
Iain Davison Ford Gloucester
Craig Swainston Stockton Honda
David Rose Vauxhall Sunderland
Apprentice of the Year Award
This award recognises overall commitment to learning and development, conversion of learning into good practice and demonstration of Vertu Values. Awarded to the colleague who achieves excellent results their apprentice programme and demonstrates strong workplace skills ahead of their current stage of development. All colleagues who are engaged in an apprenticeship at any point in the period may be nominated.
Winner: Stevie Dennis, JLR Guiseley, Accounts Apprentice at Land Rover Guiseley
“Stevie has worked for Farnell Land Rover Bradford for just over two years and has already proven to us that she upholds the Company’s core Values. As well as working with us full time she has just completed her AAT Level 3 qualification and is continuing on to her AAT level 4 which as a Company we are more than happy to fund, then she the hopes of continuing to CIMA studies. She has always excelled in her exams and aced every one she has sat with a 95%+ score every time.
She is currently working between two sites Bradford Land Rover and Guiseley, but also help out at other Land Rover sites as and when required, she has shown ability to be able to manager and organise her time very well and provide recognised support to all dealerships. She has an eagerness to learn every aspect of the job and aspires to be a Vertu Accountant one day, she will be ideal candidate for the Accountants Evolution this year to help her along with her progression."
Nomination by Kim Spencer
"Stevie joined the company In March 2019 as school leaver to become our Accounts Apprentice. During the past 2 years she has shown immense dedication and perseverance throughout. Her positive attitude and drive has touched many people within her retailers, forming great working relationships. Stevie openly shares ideas, information and knowledge and demonstrates a willingness to let all sides be heard. Stevie has taken on a great challenge during lockdown and successfully single handily managed an Accounts department. Her eagerness to succeed and take on additional responsibilities beyond her role is something to be greatly admired. "
Nomination by Emma Moriarty
Nominated twice for the same award by two managers… what a great start to your career Stevie!
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Matthew Baptista Wigan Ford
Chloe Jones Halifax Nissan
John Adams Doncaster Honda
James Bayles Darlington SEAT
Edijs Kovacs Boston Honda
Devan Gibson Vertu Lease Cars
Ancillary Business Colleague of the Year Award
This award is available to all colleagues within the Group’s ancillary businesses: Versa, VVS, Taxi Centre, Ace Parts, Parts Plus and Vans Direct. Awarded to the colleague who delivers an outstanding performance which directly contributes to the success of their respective team or business.
Winner: Curtis Timothy-Price at Vans Direct
When I came into the business in February 2020, Curtis was an under-performing, lost and demotivated Sales Consultant. I was actually a little worried about him. However, over the last 12 months he has developed and grown so much so that he has become an integral part to the Sales Management team. His attitude is A1 and he is growing more and more into the role daily. He will play a pivotal role in the future success of our Sales business. Curtis is so capable now he has started to believe in himself and has a hugely bright future at Vans Direct. I would love for him to get some recognition for what he has done for us this past year but more important for me, what Curtis has done for himself. I actually got a little teary typing that so hopefully that demonstrates how much the lad means to Vans Direct.
Nomination by Paul Cox
The success of Vans Direct throughout the last 12 months has been remarkable and Curtis has played a significant part in turning the sales unit into a high-performing team. The business smashed its sales target for FY21 and made a significant contribution to the Groups profitability. It is always great to see a colleague who has been given an opportunity grab it with both hands and make the most or it. This is what Curtis has done.. and some. Well done Curtis.
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Conan Flynn Vans Direct
Sam Lewis Ace Parts
Bodyshop & Smart Repair Colleague of the Year Award
This award is available to all Bodyshop and Smart Repair colleagues. Awarded to the colleague who has demonstrated an exceptional level of drive and commitment to their role which has made a measurable impact on the performance of the Bodyshop or the dealerships they provide a service to.
Winner: Winston Richards at Gloucester Bodyshop
"Since joining the bodyshop team in Gloucester 2nd Nov 2020 Winston’s professionalism and calm personality has made a great impact to the department. From day 1 his organisational and interpersonal skills has earnt him great respect not just with the bodyshop team but throughout the whole dealership. He is always early to work and stays on every day to ensure he has the workshop loaded and organised for the next day’s work. Winston works closely with the reception team, keeping them updated with the vehicles in progress to ensure customers are updated accordingly. Thanks to Winston the quality of the workmanship from the bodyshop has risen, with a good eye for detail for the finished vehicle. Winston’s courteous, calm manner and approach when dealing with customers makes him a great ambassador for the company, we have had several great responses from customers about his professionalism. Bodyshops have had a hard time over the past 12 months and now with the work starting to return, Winston, having gained the respect of the bodyshop team has shown he has the aptitude and professionalism to drive the business forward."
Nominated by Trevor Franklin
Congratulations to the runners up:
Stephen Robinson Vertu Cosmetic Repair
Wullie Howie Glasgow Ford
Cleaner of the Year Award
This award recognises consistency in delivering the highest standard of service and overall contribution to the dealership. This award is available to any Cleaner in the Group either directly or through a supplier.
Winner: Chris Rutland at Mercedes-Benz Aylesbury
“Chris Rutland has worked at the Aylesbury site for 18 years being employed by Ryder Property Services. I wish to put Chris forward for this award for two very strong reasons and acknowledge colleagues in the business coming to me with this nomination.
1. His length of service is outstanding showing huge commitment to his job taking little to no sick days and takes so much pride in his works its outstanding to see someone like this.
2. I can highlight a number of jobs Chris has taken on over previous months / years that go above his line of duty. He owns the site like it was his own home and always thinks outside of the box to ensure we all work together in achieving his goals/tasks. Recently I've personally observed him work with the Workshop Controller when he was tasked in re organising areas of the workshop and removal of unwanted fixtures. Chris took it upon his self to not only assist in organising areas but clearing rubbish and making those areas not seen for may a year clean again.
As a business we have put pressure on the external cleaning Company to help in cost savings and asked of them to reduce costs in hours Chris works. Chris has maintained his professional and pride throughout this and I would say not let any standard slip where other non-positive people would react differently. I would personally like to see Chris recognised for this. Thank you Chris.”
What a great nomination. It is clear that Chris is a part of the family at Aylesbury and the pride and personal ownership he has demonstrated over may head made him a stand out nomination. Well sone Chris – here’s to another 18 years!
Nominated by Justin Boon
Congratulations to the runner-up
Linda Tarrins Grantham Honda
Parts Colleague of the Year Award
Awarded to the Parts colleague who has made a significant and notable contribution to the performance of their department. This award encompasses both trade and retail parts operations.
Winner: Martin Morgan at Ford Bolton
“I would like to nominate Martin Morgan for the category of Parts Colleague of the Year. There can often be a lot of tension between the Service department and the Parts department, more so within a Workshop as big as ours. The Parts department can often be used as an easy excuse for things not going as planned and be blamed for events outside of their own control. I believe the key to our success as a Service department is heavily reliant on the service we get from our Parts department and the relationship between the Parts back counter and the Workshop. Myself and my team believe Martin Morgan provides a fast, reliable, friendly and professional service that cannot be equalled to. Martin can always be relied upon to do everything he possibly can to give you the best outcome possible whilst maintaining an ear to ear smile that never seems to fade. Martin is absolutely committed to providing great service and helping the service department reaching our financial plan as well as his own departments financial plan. He has demonstrated this many times by being the first to volunteer to assist on our Super Saturdays or arrive early and stay late when we go for that final push, freeing up his own team to concentrate on other aspects of the Parts business. Over the years Martin has developed a strong relationship with the workshop technicians and can be known as their 'go to' guy when they need that extra bit of care. He is firm but fair and I personally could not ask for anything more from one of our Parts colleagues. I cannot think of anyone more worthy to take the accolade of Parts Colleague of the Year.”
Nominated by Lee Swindells
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Paul Shacklady Bolton JLR
Martin Morgan Bolton Ford
Steve Johnson Newcastle Honda
Jade Hemstock Nottingham TPS
Sam Grant Newcastle Vauxhall
Anthony Tetley Guiseley JLR
Mike Clifford Carlisle Vauxhall
Ben Steventon Kings Norton Ford
Congratulations to the runner-up
Sam Grant Vauxhall Newcastle
Sales Executive CSI Champion Award
This CSI award is to recognise the Sales Executive who consistently delivers the highest level of customer service and experience.
Winner: Paul Fraser at Hyundai Edinburgh East
“Paul is without a doubt the CSI champion for our dealership. Paul has never had a poor new car CSI in the last 12 months and his judge score is 100% recommend and 94% NPS. Paul is faultless when it comes to looking after his customers and they have nothing but praise for all he does for them even down to the little things. He never over promises and always delivers. Paul has great repeat business and many referrals from his customers and I believe that this is 100% how he deals with his customers.”
When looking at Paul’s CSI and Judge Service scores is it clear that he has placed customer experience and retention at the heart of his daily routines. He is creating ‘raving fans’ and delivering on out Group Vision every day without fail.
Nominated by Mark Littlejohn
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Ajay Singh Honda Doncaster Rebecca Townsend Ford Stoke
Service Advisor CSI Champion Award
This Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) award is to recognize the Group’s top performing Service Advisor who has demonstrated the highest level of customer service, experience and therefore satisfaction, as measured by the Manufacturer.
Winner: Toby Sims at Volkswagen Skipton
“Since his first day he has strived to go the extra mile with his helpful & sunny attitude, always looking for work, looking to help his colleagues & customers. His EVH sold percentage is always on target & has sold the most in value in February by over £4,000. His VW CEM score is constantly above target & has the most named verbatim comments in both CEM & CSI. He has looked after the most customers so far this year, although the work is divided equally each day, he takes the initiative, jumps on extra customers and takes responsibility to deliver for them.”
Nominated by Darren Hudson
A great accolade which is well deserved for a colleague in one of our new VW dealerships. The CEM scores and the wholly positive verbatim comments tell the story on how well you deliver for customers and for the business. Keep up the great work Toby.
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Krystal Quenet Morpeth HondaLuke Pries Mercedes-Benz of ReadingRebecca Townsend Stoke FordSharron Robinson Doncaster HondaRob Hayward Crewe VauxhallToby Sims Skipton VolkswagenAmy Smith MINI Teesside
Valeter of the Year Award
This award recognises consistency in delivering the highest standard of service and overall contribution to the dealership. This award is available to any Valeter in the Group either directly or through a supplier.
Winner: Valeter of the Year Terry Mason, Newcastle Vauxhall
“Terry is an absolute one-off. He has worked at the dealership for 6 years and for the majority of his time was a Service Wash Valeter but came into the Sales side of the business in April/May when we were angling to get ready to re-open. We discovered Terry has an unbelievable work ethic and has the energy effort and enthusiasm to do a proper job no matter what task he is set, the type of attitude that is priceless. Terry takes real pride in his role and you will often find him re-aligning flags, making sure banners are presented and secured properly, headboards on correctly, and even price boards if they don't look quite right. His attention to detail is phenomenal. As well as his day to roles he is always willing to help anyone no matter what department. I found him one morning cleaning the Showroom floor as the Cleaner had not turned up for work and we had some bad weather that had made a bit of a mess. A rare breed that when all his duties are complete, he will then come asking is there anything else needs doing. Terry is a real asset to our dealership and a key part of our recent success so I feel I would be right to recognise his daily contribution to the dealership performance."
Nominated by Liam Fenwick
Highly Commended
Reben Faraj Honda Doncaster
Kwame Adoquaye Grantham Honda Motorcycles
Business Development Centre Colleague of the Year Award
Winner: Michelle Anderson
Michelle Anderson has worked in the BDC for 9 years, even at the start of her journey with Vertu it became apparent she was Management material. Michelle is extremely well organised and diligent in everything she takes on and is an asset to the BDC whilst displaying all of our values. As with everyone within the group, it has been a challenging time however every single change no matter what day of the week or time Michelle rose to this in her own Management style without any complaint. Michelle delivers an outstanding performance which has contributed to the success of Central Reception over the years. The central function is an integral part of the group now and this has been possible with her dedication, drive, and professional pride for the department. This award could not go to a more deserving hard-working individual.
Central Services Non-management Award
Winner: Paula Snaith from CCA Business Services
“During lockdowns Paula has been integral in the customer journey of click and collect and the new ‘Reserve It Now’ strategy. As the sales have grown during the year, she has helped redesign the process making it more streamlined. The sales have increased from 20-30 a month to over 150 per month, in which Paula has supported and trained the rest of the team as they have been de-furloughed. This has been I addition to driving Car Credit Assured sales which have remained consistent, Paula regularly receives superb customer feedback regarding her quality of service and professionalism. Paula is an outstanding member of the team whose levels of professionalism and energy make her an ideal nomination for the Masters Award.”
Nomination by Steve Rowe
Congratulations to the other finalists:
Andrew Sanderson in the IT Department
Ellie Greenman in the HR Department
Stephanie Lydon in the Commercial Department
Please lets ensure that we congratulate these winners and all the finalists mentioned. They are the backbone of the Group and we are all proud of them. I look forward to seeing the winners at our 15 Year Anniversary Ball in November.
Best regards
Matthew BarrHR Director