Last year marked another successful year for Lookers as they announced another year of growth which saw revenue and profits increase for the sixth consecutive year. To celebrate the success Lookers held their annual Guild Awards last week which saw the best-performing staff from the last 12 months recognised for their excellent work.
The annual event which was sponsored by Auto Trader, took place on Sunday 21st March at the beautiful Hotel Arts in the heart of Barcelona and was attended by Lookers CEO Andy Bruce and Managing Director Nigel McMinn. All of Lookers divisions across the UK and Ireland were represented on the night including staff members from Lookers, Charles Hurst and Taggarts.
The winners were chosen based on their performance levels, customer satisfaction rates and the overall contribution they have made to Lookers. There was a total of 14 categories ranging from, Aftersales, to Charity work.
On the night staff were treated to a traditional Spanish tapas as well as traditional music and dancing. The award ceremony itself was compared by comedian John Martin who had the job of introducing the winners in each category.
Winners on the night included ‘Sales Person of the Year’ which was awarded to George Milton from Ayr Audi, and ‘Aftersales Person of the Year’ which was awarded to Nicola Freedman from Taggarts Hyundai dealership. David Scott from Vauxhall Yardley took home the award for ‘Corporate Sales Person of the Year.
It wasn’t all about sales though as members of the group were recognised for their outstanding achievements outside of work. Eleanor Huntington who works as a sales executive in Vauxhall Birkenhead was given a guild award for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to Charity’.
Chris Worth who recently completed a mammoth journey through Europe in an Audi A4 for the British Heart Foundation was awarded ‘Head Office Best Support’. The Lookers NICER award was given to Alex Patterson from Taggarts Volvo.
The Guild awards also acknowledge the staff who have worked hard in their departments to provide excellent customer service and sales. Mark Currie from Mercedes-Benz in Maidstone was named ‘Sales Manager of the Year’, and his colleagues Ben Reay and Mark Currie were named ‘Business Manager of the Year’.
Lookers wouldn’t be such a prosperous business if it wasn’t for the servicing staff who help to get customers cars fixed and ready on time. In Glasgow Iain Murdoch who works in our Accident Repair Centre was named ‘Bodyshop Manager of the Year’, whilst Willie Coll from Land Rover Glasgow South was named ‘Service Manager of the Year’. The award for ‘Parts Manager of the Year’ was given to Mark Smith from Ford Colchester.
One of the biggest awards on the night was ‘General Manager/Dealership of the Year, and this year Jeff McCartney from Charles Hurst Renault Newtownards was named the winner. The award for ‘Dealership Best Support’ was given to Dave Harrop from Renault & Skoda Stockport.
Yet again the Guild award proved to be a great night for all those involved. A massive congratulations to all the nominees and winners who deserve the recognition for all the hard work they do for the Lookers Group.
We would also like to thank the sponsors of the awards; Shell, Autotrader, Black Horse, Fastrack, LKQ Coatings, Stapleton's Tyres, Premia Solutions, The Warranty Group, CCS and GardX.