Bowker BMW has announced a strategic partnership with performance coach Laura Greenbank to inspire and support more women golfers in Lancashire. This initiative is part of BMW’s broader strategy to engage with local communities through golf.

Laura Greenbank has over 18 years of experience and a specialised qualification in Golf Psychology Coaching. She brings a unique perspective to the partnership with Bowker BMW. This collaboration is designed to elevate mental strategies and performance for local golf enthusiasts, with a particular focus on women and young players.

Laura’s academic background includes a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with a specialism in English and Physical Education, alongside qualifications in Counselling and Mental Health First Aid. She is currently studying for her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Laura’s decision to start her business, LG Golf Psychology Coaching, blends her Sports leadership coaching skills across several sports with her knowledge of the mental aspects influencing sports performance.

Laura said: “Partnering with Bowker BMW is a fantastic opportunity to reach more golfers, especially women, who want to improve their game. Understanding the psychological aspects can profoundly impact performance. Thanks to the new video series, I’m excited to share my tips with more players across Lancashire.”

The initiative by Bowker BMW aligns with a new BMW UK Golf initiative, highlighting the importance of community engagement at an exciting time for the sport. Golf has seen a notable increase in participation post-pandemic, with a 5.6% rise in registered golfers since 2020, emphasising the growing interest from women and juniors.

Jonathan Rogan, director, for Bowker BMW, said: “The sport of golf promotes not only physical health but also mental well-being. That makes it a perfect match for our brand values, particularly sustainability and community support. We’re excited to partner with Laura and hope many more golfers will be inspired to take up the sport.” 

Laura added: “Golf is more than just a sport; it’s a tool for personal development and mental resilience. I look forward to helping our local athletes achieve their best, both on and off the course.”

The partnership between Bowker BMW and Laura Greenbank will include a range of initiatives, including workshops, personalised coaching sessions, and community events.

These activities are designed to promote golf as a vehicle for health and personal development. By fostering local talent and encouraging participation in local golf events, this collaboration will not only enhance the golf community but also contribute to community cohesion and economic activity.

For more information on the partnership click here.

Bowker BMW is investing a million pounds in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and 50 new electric charging points. 

With one in five UK cars now being battery-electric vehicles, the decision to install new charging points at Bowker on Trident Park in Blackburn reflects the increasing popularity of the growing BMW and MINI hybrid and electric models.

Bowker BMW is already one of the top 25% performing dealers in the UK for electrical vehicle (EV) sales. A high proportion of these sales go to local Lancashire businesses – who will now benefit from the new 22 kw and 50 kw charging points.

For Bowker Motor Group, Chris Eccles said: “This is fantastic news for Bowker and our customers. By investing in new EV chargers, we are addressing some key priorities for Bowker Motor Group. We all know that new chargers are a more environmentally friendly approach to powering vehicles. This is a global trend towards eco-friendly technology.

“Better still reinvesting in our business benefits the local community. We’ve used local contractors to install the new chargers. And by using local suppliers whenever possible, we help build a stronger local economy.”

Similar new chargers went live at Bowker BMW and MINI in Preston earlier in the year. Lancashire-based electric charging installer Smart EV Solutions is installing the new Bowker Motor Group EV chargers. Based in Preston, Smart EV Solutions specialises in commercial and domestic electric charger installations. Established in 2020, the Preston electrical contractors have already installed more than 100 EV chargers and have seen substantial growth in the number of investment companies installing EV chargers over the past 12 months. 

The EV charger investment continues Bowker Motor Group’s long-held environmental focus. This began ten years ago, when Bowker BMW in Blackburn installed 206 new solar panels on the centre’s roof. Since the five-figure installation, the panels have delivered CO2 savings estimated at almost 500 tonnes. That amount is equivalent to the amount of carbon sequestered by 80,000 trees grown from seedlings during the same time.

Then last year Bowker Blackburn installed 323 more. The move will allow the car centre to generate a quarter of its electricity needs from solar energy. It will also help reduce its carbon footprint by saving 26 tonnes of carbon emissions.

For over 15 years, Bowker Motor Group has recycled glass, cardboard, and even rubber tyres that are reconstituted for reuse, including flooring for children’s playgrounds.

Bowker BMW technician Mick Eastham has retired after 47 years with the company.

Mick Eastham, from Preston, began his career in 1977 at Kinders Garage. He joined Bowker Motor Group shortly after, dedicating his professional life to the company and witnessing significant changes in the automotive industry over the decades.

Over the years, Mick has seen numerous advances in automotive technology. In the 80s, technicians had extensive time to service vehicles, performing tasks such as stripping brakes and tuning engines. Today, improved oil quality and digital systems allow for faster and more efficient service.

Mick said: “In the old days, you just got a job and you fixed it. Now, with digital systems and quality oils, we can do more miles and work quicker. It’s a big change from how things used to be.”

Most recently Mick has worked at the aftersales centre at Bowker in Preston. Bigger than a football pitch, the centre is located on a 6.5 acre site on Watery Lane in Preston. It has 30 ramps, two dedicated MOT lanes and a state-of-the-art laser wheel alignment machine.

Bowker MINI has announced its sponsorship of young Lancashire racing driver Ashley Gregory.

19 year-old Ashley, from Rossendale, has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the ranks in British motorsport since beginning her racing career at the age of just 10.

The three-time Junior Ministox Champion will be one of only two female competitors in this year’s Vertu MINI Challenge Series. The partnership with the Blackburn and Preston-based car centres means Bowker MINI will appear on Ashley’s race suit and car and the display banner outside the awning at events. 

Ashley said: “Racing is my life; it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Bowker’s support is a wonderful validation of my efforts and achievements so far. The Vertu MINI Challenge is a real step up for me. But with the right people behind the team, it’s exciting to dream about what we can achieve together.”

Ashley has loved speed since she was 7 when she raced for fun on a quad bike on homemade tracks. By 2015, she was competing in Junior Ministox, driving against opponents up to 16 years old.

A crash in only her third race failed to halt her progress as she won the overall Junior Ministox Championship three times over the next four years. Despite being only 19, Ashley has already claimed over 120 trophies and secured multiple significant race victories.

In 2019, Ashley debuted in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) Scholarship, where she was a finalist. Following this, she and her family decided to compete independently. By 2020, Ashley had already achieved two podium finishes in the JSCC, and by the following year, she added a race win and several fastest lap times to her achievements.

This season, Ashley is competing in the prestigious Vertu MINI Challenge Series for the second year. Her entry into the series in the first year marked a significant step up in competition. Ashley finished P12 in class and enjoyed two rookie wins. A successful season she now hopes to build on.

Jonathan Rogan for Bowker MINI said: “We are thrilled to support a young talent like Ashley. It’s important that Lancashire encourages young people with such a passion for motorsport in the county. Ashley has already enjoyed enviable success. We look forward to seeing more podiums and trophies this season. We are proud to be part of Ashley’s journey.”

With the backing of Bowker MINI, Ashley is set to further her racing career with robust support and resources, underscoring the motor group’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting excellence in motorsport.

View Ashley’s website and track her progress: https://www.ashleygregoryracing.com/news

A Bowker Group manager is set to run his first marathon since a snowmobile accident nearly cost him his leg 11 years ago.

In February 2013, Group Implementation Manager Richard Cowell sustained serious injuries, including a six-inch bone-deep gash in his leg, after losing control of a snowmobile and colliding with a tree at approximately 50mph. The accident happened during a trip in Vancouver sponsored by BMW. 

On the 14th of April, Richard from Rawtenstall will compete in the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the UK’s second-largest marathon. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and support for runners of all levels, the event is an ideal platform for Richard’s first-ever marathon challenge.

He hopes to raise funds for Kieran’s Angels, a charity group formed for his friend, Kieran Keigher, which supports cancer research in the UK.

Bowker Motor Group has partnered with Preston North End Community and Education Trust. Thanks to the partnership, the Trust will distribute Easter eggs to children across various community groups, faith groups and schools across Preston.

The Easter eggs will be distributed to low-income families, food banks, and some young people in Preston’s most deprived areas. The Trust will share the eggs in the lead-up to Easter, over the Easter weekend, and at Preston North End’s home fixture against Rotherham on Good Friday.

The Easter egg initiative began during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown. This year, two local businesses have backed the campaign, Pendle Hill Properties and Bowker Motor Group, who are backing the campaign for the second year running.

Jonathan Rogan, director at Bowker BMW, said: “At Bowker, we are big fans of the positive impact that Preston North End Community and Education Trust has on the lives of local families. That’s why we wanted to support the campaign for a second year. I know it’s a simple gesture, but we hope it will comfort those within our community who deserve it the most.”

For PNE Community and Education Trust, Jack Mountain said: “Thank you, Bowker Motor Group, for your generous donation of Easter Eggs. Your contribution ensures that those in our community who are most in need receive a gift over Easter. The Easter Eggs will be distributed locally, and like in previous years, we know the children love them.”

The PNE Community and Education Trust deliver initiatives that enhance lives and our communities, and in 2023, over 15,000 people directly benefitted from their work. To find out more about the Trust’s life-enhancing work, you can find our 2023 Impact Report here: https://www.pnefc.net/contentassets/6e76d27795f5401892a8593a14a54e19/impact-report-2023.pdf.

The award ceremony was held on the 13th of March at Grosvenor House in London, where the achievements of the fleet industry were celebrated in style. In addition to the Manufacturer of the Year accolade, BMW also triumphed in individual vehicle categories. The BMW i4 claimed the Best Premium Car title, acknowledging its leading position in the premium electric vehicle market and its appeal to corporate customers and company car drivers.

Furthermore, the new BMW 5 Series was named Best Executive Car, solidifying its position as a leading choice for business users in the UK. Launched in October 2023, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series fuses advanced technology with an elegant and sporting saloon style, generous space, and exceptional refinement. The BMW 5 Series offers a choice of powertrains – petrol, plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric BMW i5, providing fleet customers complete flexibility depending on the needs of their drivers.

Matt Collins, General Manager of Corporate Sales at BMW UK, said, “We are immensely proud to be recognised once again as Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Fleet News and its readers for their continued support and recognition. We are also delighted to receive individual accolades for the BMW i4 and 5 Series. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the fleet sector.”

The Fleet News Awards are well-known for their meticulous judging process and focus on real-world fleet usage, thanks to a panel of industry-leading judges, making BMW’s continued success at these awards a testament to the brand’s leadership in the fleet sector.

For further information on BMW’s award-winning fleet and corporate offerings, please visit https://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/bmw/bmw-business-and-corporate-sales

BMW has continued its impressive run at the coveted Fleet News Awards, securing the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. This achievement is particularly significant as the award is voted for by Fleet News readers, who are certified fleet decision-makers, reflecting the brand’s strong reputation across the wider sector.

The award ceremony was held on the 13th of March at Grosvenor House in London, where the achievements of the fleet industry were celebrated in style. In addition to the Manufacturer of the Year accolade, BMW also triumphed in individual vehicle categories. The BMW i4 claimed the Best Premium Car title, acknowledging its leading position in the premium electric vehicle market and its appeal to corporate customers and company car drivers.

Furthermore, the new BMW 5 Series was named Best Executive Car, solidifying its position as a leading choice for business users in the UK. Launched in October 2023, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series fuses advanced technology with an elegant and sporting saloon style, generous space, and exceptional refinement. The BMW 5 Series offers a choice of powertrains – petrol, plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric BMW i5, providing fleet customers complete flexibility depending on the needs of their drivers.

Matt Collins, General Manager of Corporate Sales at BMW UK, said, “We are immensely proud to be recognised once again as Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Fleet News and its readers for their continued support and recognition. We are also delighted to receive individual accolades for the BMW i4 and 5 Series. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the fleet sector.”

The Fleet News Awards are well-known for their meticulous judging process and focus on real-world fleet usage, thanks to a panel of industry-leading judges, making BMW’s continued success at these awards a testament to the brand’s leadership in the fleet sector.

For further information on BMW’s award-winning fleet and corporate offerings, please visit https://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/bmw/bmw-business-and-corporate-sales

Bowker MINI have won a national marketing award for the second time in just three years.

The Bowker MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston beat off competition from more than 130 other UK centres to win the Marketing category at the MINI UK Retailer Awards.

Judges commented on Bowker MINI’s year, saying that: “exciting and comprehensive marketing activities covering events, content creation and local relevance meant Bowker edged ahead of the competition to win the award.”

Winners on the night were selected across a range of categories, including sales, marketing, financial services, and used cars, at the awards ceremony awards in Manchester hosted by writer and comedian Katherine Ryan.

Bowker MINI group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall said: “It’s a proud achievement to win the national marketing award – but to win it twice is special for the whole team. The last time we won, we were in lockdown, and the celebration was a virtual one. It goes without saying that it was much more fun to celebrate in person.

“We have a small team compared with some larger dealer groups. But what we may lack in numbers, we make up for in hard work and creativity. This award is a credit to each and every one of them.”

The four-strong marketing team at Bowker MINI includes Amy, marketing executives Jess O’Neill and Charlotte Brown, and graphic designer Chloe Robinson. 

Bowker MINI has been shortlisted for marketing excellence in seven out of the last eight years. In 2015, Bowker Motor Group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall won the MINI Marketer of the Year category.

This year, the marketing team at Bowker MINI focused on the MINI electric, selling out by year-end. Bowker combined events, radio, email and social media channels featuring the MINI product genius videos.

Activity included product placement in partnership with the Royal Lancashire Show and Blackburn Rugby Club. Bowker MINI also delivered campaigns like the ‘Design Your Day’ social media competition, which generated over 50 test drives. 

Bowker MINI was also shortlisted for the Big Love award. New for 2024, the ‘MINI Big Love’ award acknowledges those delivering significant and impactful initiatives, which could include charitable fundraising, volunteering, or efforts to reduce environmental impact.