Author: Amy Lancaster

The Corporate Key Account Manager at Bowker BMW has become one of the first in the country to achieve a new BMW Corporate Certified and Business Sales Skills certificate. 

Sue Singleton, who works for Bowker BMW with centres in Blackburn and Preston, was originally in the very first cohort and completed accreditation with the second cohort and is one of the first 23 corporate experts in the UK BMW network to achieve the certification. 

This certification is part of the Corporate Certified programme launched in January 2023. The new accreditation focuses on improving the corporate customer buying experience across the BMW and MINI retailer network. 

Sue’s training covered a rigorous programme designed by BMW UK to help certified retailers focus on the corporate customer experience. The result will benefit BMW owners with a uniform customer journey and establish quantifiable benchmarks.

Sue Singleton, Corporate Key Account Manager at Bowker BMW, said: “The training covered many diverse areas of my corporate role. Everything from finance to the way electric vehicles are transforming the customer experience. I learned a lot. We always set ourselves high standards. However, achieving the latest certificate guarantees that Bowker corporate customers will receive the highest standard of service.”

Richard Cowell, Group General Sales Manager, said: “Congratulations to Sue on becoming one of the first in the country to achieve the new certification. I know how hard she has worked and she deserves this success. The Corporate Certified programme is a significant step in our commitment to delivering exceptional service in the corporate vehicle sales sector. With her accreditation, Sue will now play a crucial role in delivering the high customer experience and business sales standards for which Bowker is renowned.”

BMW UK has introduced the initiative to distinguish BMW in the corporate sector. The training included detailed insights on the increasing mix of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which typically require more intensive customer interaction. 

Training is a crucial element of the new Corporate Certified programme, with courses provided at the BMW Group Academy near Reading. This training aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the corporate sector. 

Bowker BMW is already a Corporate Certified Retailer. This means the centre commits to providing enhanced service and support tailored to fleet managers, company car drivers, and leasing companies.

The centre promises industry-leading response times to enquiries, with service online requests answered within five minutes. For repairs, the team commits to triage within 24 hours to support parts ordering and technician requirements, with follow-up appointments scheduled within seven working days or three days if a warning light is showing.

The centre offers both collection and local delivery options for new cars, ensuring a premium handover experience with minimal delivery emissions.

Winter motoring brings its own set of chilly challenges. Snow, while picturesque, can make roads treacherous. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate these snowy streets safely. 

Let’s break down the essentials for confident and secure driving in wintry conditions.

Preparation is Key

Before you even turn the ignition key, ensure your car is snow-ready. This means checking your vehicle’s battery, antifreeze levels, heaters, brakes, and defroster. 

Don’t forget to fit winter tyres for enhanced traction (contact your local Bowker Centre here for advice). Also, keep your windows, mirrors, and lights clear of snow and ice. Are your wipers in good shape? And is your screenwash effective in cold temperatures? A well-prepared car is half the battle won.

Adjust Your Driving

In snow, driving as you normally would just won’t cut it. The first rule? Slow down. Slippery roads demand reduced speed. Remember, stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on ice! Increase the gap between you and the car ahead, and make all your manoeuvres smooth and gradual.

Thinking about accelerating, steering, or braking? Do it gently. And on those hills, keep a steady pace and avoid changing gears.

Getting Unstuck

If you find yourself stuck in the snow, don’t panic. Clear the snow from around your tyres and under the car. Then, place a rug or sack in front of the driving wheels for extra grip. Steer straight and ease off the clutch gently.

Visibility Matters

We’ve all seen those cars with just a tiny patch of windscreen cleared. Don’t be that driver. Make sure all your windows are clear before setting off. And keep an eye on those lights, too – they should be free of snow.

Embrace Technology, But Wisely

Modern cars are equipped with features like Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) that can be particularly helpful in snowy conditions. DTC, for instance, allows for some wheel slip, aiding in getting up slippery hills. But remember, these systems are aids, not replacements for careful driving.

Snow Chains and Socks

While not often needed in the UK, snow chains can be a godsend in deep snow, especially in remote areas. They offer the best grip but must be used correctly – only on snow-covered roads and removed once you hit a clear patch. Snow socks are a simpler alternative, offering extra grip in lighter snow conditions.

When to Stay Put

Sometimes, the best decision is not to drive at all. Ask yourself, is the journey absolutely necessary? If not, it might be wise to wait until conditions improve. 

Moreover, always keep a winter emergency kit in your car. This should include items like a torch, blanket, first-aid kit, food, water, and a phone charger. You never know when you might need these essentials, especially if you’re stranded. 

Being well-prepared can make all the difference when it comes to safe driving in snow. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should always be your top priority.

In a Nutshell

Driving in the snow requires a blend of preparation, adaptation, and caution. Equip your vehicle for winter, adjust your driving style to the conditions, and always prioritise safety over speed. 

Staff at Bowker BMW have donated over 50 gifts to The Wish Centre – a refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse

The gift collection focused on a ‘Gifting Tree’ in the reception area at Bowker BMW on Trident Way in Blackburn. The tree was decorated with tags, each featuring information about a current resident of The Wish Centre. 

Visitors and staff were encouraged to take a tag and replace it with a present for the individual, described as a gesture of support and goodwill. 

For Bowker BMW managing director Chris Eccles said: “This initiative is a meaningful way for our community to directly support those in need, especially during the festive season. We hope that the simple act of giving a gift will help to spread some seasonal goodwill for the lives of the residents at The Wish Centre”

The Wish Centre’s primary goal is to provide assistance to those who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse. This includes offering support, advice, and accommodation, as well as working with victims and their families to ensure safety and aid in their overall development and well-being.

For the Wish Centre, Rebekah Wilson said: “We are very grateful for Bowker BMW’s support. The centre aims to empower and assist individuals affected by domestic abuse to grow and reach their full potential. The support from initiatives like the Gifting Tree is a step in the right direction, especially at a time when support from those closest to us is so important.”

For more information about The Wish Centre and its services, visit www.thewishcentre.org

Staff from Bowker BMW in Preston have joined forces to donate presents to this year’s ‘Give a Gift’ campaign. The campaign, organised by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, aims to provide Christmas gifts to patients in hospital during the festive season.

The ‘Give a Gift’ campaign runs every Christmas to ensure that all Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital patients of all ages receive a gift on Christmas Day. The campaign’s primary goal is to offer comfort and a sense of community to those in hospital during a period traditionally spent with family.

Bowker director Jonathan Rogan said: “The ‘Give a Gift’ campaign is a great idea. We were pleased to support hospital patients facing challenging times during the holiday season. It struck a chord with Bowker staff, too. Everyone got involved with many generous donations.”

Stagecoach donated a bus for the charity team to visit Bowker and other workplaces, businesses, and schools to collect gifts from across Preston and beyond. The items they collected included gift sets, toiletries, books, stationery, and children’s toys – a little bit of everything for patients of different ages and needs.

In addition to physical gifts, the charity also welcomed monetary donations, suggesting a contribution of £5.00 to fund a gift for a patient. This aspect of the campaign provided an alternative means for individuals to contribute, broadening the participation base.

From Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, Dan Hill, Head of Charities, said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW and their staff for supporting this year’s ‘Give a Gift’ campaign. The generosity of businesses and the wider community greatly affects our efforts. No one chooses to be in hospital at Christmas. So, a gift can help to let patients know we’re thinking about them. It’s not just about the gifts, but the message of care and compassion.”

Once donated, the charity carefully manages the distribution of gifts in collaboration with clinical staff. This means the right gifts are distributed to the correct wards. Last year’s ‘Give a Gift’ supplied over 800 gifts to patients.

Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn and Preston have marked the end of a six-week fundraising period with a Ben’s Big Breakfast celebration. 

The breakfast event brought together employees to share breakfast, engage in conversations, and raise funds for Ben. Ben is an automotive industry charity offering various support services focusing on mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

Its programs extend a helping hand during crises and provide care for individuals in later life, illustrating a holistic approach to support that goes beyond the automotive sphere.

Over the last six weeks, the Lancashire-based motor group took part in several fundraising activities, including the Benathlon Challenge throughout September.  Bowker staff engaged in daily physical activities for 30 minutes or more, collectively raising over £500.

The Ben Big Breakfast blended culinary creativity with Bowker staff’s community spirit. The Bowker management team prepared breakfast sandwiches in exchange for charity donations. 

Aimee Keane, HR Manager at Bowker Motor Group, said: “We’ve all enjoyed taking part in Ben’s fundraising initiatives in recent weeks. It not only promoted physical health among our team but also meant we could show support for the broader automotive family. The breakfast was a great way to celebrate our efforts. Ben does a wonderful job highlighting the importance of both physical and mental well-being. It was great to join others in the UK automotive industry to make a difference.”

The funds the automotive industry raised over the six weeks will enable Ben to continue its work. Bowker’s engagement in these fundraising activities reflects a commitment within the automotive industry to come together in times of need, fostering a supportive and resilient community.

Bowker Motor Group in Blackburn and Preston has appointed a new Group Buyer.

Paul Hattersley from Bolton joins with buying responsibilities for BMW and MINI centres. Paul will source pre-owned BMWs and MINIs, ensuring the best choice for Bowker customers.

Paul joins Bowker Motor Group from Swansway Group, where he has been the Used Car Sales Manager since 2019. He brings almost 20 years of experience to the role at Bowker with an automotive retail career spanning several key positions. Paul has enjoyed key sales and management roles at Perrys Peugeot, Williams MINI Bolton and Marshall Mercedes in Bolton.

Paul said: “I am thrilled to join Bowker Motor Group as the Used Car Group Buyer for Bowker BMW and MINI. I live locally and know all about the well-known Bowker family from working in the automotive sector for so long. It’s an exciting new chapter in my career, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the Bowker team.”

Paul’s group role will see the group buying function integrated across the Preston and Blackburn sites. This follows a similar successful change to Bowker sales, which was restructured in 2021 to develop key management roles with Group responsibilities. 

Bowker director Chris Eccles said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Hattersley to our team at Bowker Motor Group. His extensive experience and expertise in the automotive industry, especially in luxury car sales, make him an invaluable addition to our group. 

“Paul has an exciting new role. We have already seen the benefits of creating group roles in car sales. With Paul’s expert lead, we now expect to streamline our buying processes and maximise value for the group.”

Away from work, Paul coaches his daughter’s football team, and he is a Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse – The future of BMW. Featuring a clear, elegant and timeless in its design, with large surfaces, distinctive lines, all reduced to the essentials. A fresh interpretation of the brand’s signature design elements transform the look of the vehicle, such as the kidney grille and headlights. 3D animated lighting effects provide intuitive interaction between the owner and the vehicle when they approach the car

“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.