Motor Trader The award-winning and longest running UK magazine for car retailing professionals. Your first stop for News, Jobs and Reports for the motor industry.
Motor Trader has announced the winners of the third annual Motor Trader Rising Stars, sponsored by Northridge Finance.
The national search started at the beginning of the year when Motor Trader invited line managers to nominate employees, who had joined the car retailing sector over the last five years, who they felt had the potential to become the next generation of industry leaders.
The winners of the 2017 Motor Trader Rising Stars are:
- Kasim Ahmed, parts advisor, Luscombe Motors
- Sam Clark, sales trainee, Graypaul Birmingham
- Ben Dewar, service manager, Redgate Lodge
- Lauren Shawe, key account manager, Sytner’s Mercedes-Benz Division
- Jen White, marketing manager, TW White & Sons
- Siobhan McKenzie, business manager, TrustFord Dagenham
Speaking at the special champagne breakfast held in London this week, Alan Carson, sales director of Northridge Finance, said: “Northridge Finance is delighted to support the Motor Trader Rising Stars for the third consecutive year. This annual search for the brightest young talent in our industry has once again highlighted the rich seam of talent we have in the car retailing sector by identifying the next generation of industry leaders.”
Kasim Ahmed, parts advisor Luscombe Motors
Kasim (pictured with Alan Carson and Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson) joined Luscombe in 2015 as a trainee parts advisor for both Suzuki and Mitsubishi and is now fully qualified across both brands.
With two years under his belt he would like to further develop his excellent aftersales skills and he’s also interesting in moving into sales at some stage.
Lusombe’s managing director Robin Luscombe said: “Kasim is a valued and popular member of the Luscombe team. He is extremely enthusiastic, always happy to help in any situation and is a rising star if ever I saw one; even if he does want my job on day!”
Sam Clark, sales trainee, Graypaul Birmingham
Sam joined Graypaul Birmingham in 2013 as a parts apprentice on a three-year scheme and from day one demonstrated he had the attitude to succeed in a luxury retail environment.
Last year he approached the sales manager to be given an opportunity in the car sales department. He worked alternate weekends to gain knowledge on car retailing and represented the sales team at various events.
In January this year he became a full time sales trainee and shortly afterward sold a brand new Maserati!
His HR manager Sarah Burnett said: “From day one Sam demonstrated he has the attitude to succeed. Showing determination and passion in his work, he is well on his way to achieving great things”.
Ben Dewar, service manager, Redgate Lodge
Ben moved from the computer games retailing sector to his first automotive job at Redgate Lodge in 2015 and since then has played a pivotal role in turning around the servicing side of the dealer’s business.
In just 15 months he significantly grew the business through encouraging the company to join the Bosch network; a move which has significantly boosted the company’s bottom line.
He has also proved to be a skilled all-rounder. He introduced a new computerised workshop management system, helped manage a significant facilities upgrade, plays an integral role in the business’s social media activities and looks after HR.
Scott Sibley, managing director of Redgate Lodge said: “Ben is an extremely important part of both the running of the business and the success of our service centre which now has over 120 5-star Facebook reviews thanks to him.”
Lauren Shawe, key account manager, Sytner’s Mercedes-Benz Division
Lauren joined Sytner’s sales apprentice programme in 2013 and it quickly became evident that her professional approach to customer service would see her blossom within the fleet and business arena.
She instantly adapted to her new role and achieved record fleet and local business sales in 2015.
She qualified in 2016 and achieved the highest ever sales for a new starter. Her hard work and talent were recognised by promotion to the position of key account manager.
Liz Hellewell, HR manager, said: “Lauren shows great determination, focus, professionalism and desire for complete customer satisfaction and has delivered the highest annual sales for a new starter.”
Jen White, marketing manager, TW White & Sons
Jen joined the family-owned franchised group in 2014 as part of the service reception team where she immersed herself in customer care before transferring to the group’s marketing department as a project manager working on the group’s online and digital platforms.
She was then promoted to marketing manager and successfully launched an all-new multi-franchise website.
Jen has also been instrumental in implementing best practices across the business.
Neil White, managing director of TW White, said: “Jen is not only an invaluable part of the TW White team but one of the brightest young talents in the car retailing sector.”
Siobhan McKenzie, business manager, TrustFord Dagenham
Siobhan joined the TrustFord team in 2014 fresh from university. Her first job was in the used car department with colleagues noticing just how good she was from her first telephone conversation with a customer.
Car sales came naturally to her with month on month sales growing significantly. Within her first full year she finished fourth in the national group for profitability.
She also achieved a remarkable 91% score for her internal customer care ratings. Since then she has been promoted from deputy business manager to business manager.
Mark Scammell, regional general manager for TrustFord said: “Siobhan’s approach and demeanour has broken the mould and driven sales across the site. I have every confidence she is destined to be a future leader of this business.”