Category: Bowker Motor Group
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
We are investing a million pounds on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and 50 new electric charging points.
All charging points are now available for Bowker BMW and MINI customer use at Preston, with Blackburn to follow later this year. The charging points are able to charge at either 22kw or 50kw.
For Bowker Motor Group, Jonathan Rogan said: “This is great news for Bowker customers. Investing in new EV chargers helps with three key priorities for Bowker Motor Group. Firstly, we always seek to reinvest in our business to benefit the local area. The new electric chargers will undoubtedly help with that.
“Secondly, the new chargers reflect a more environmentally-considerate way to power vehicles. We are not surprised by the Global popularity of technology that is better for the planet. And finally, by reinvesting, we build a better local economy when we employ the services and expertise of local suppliers whenever we can.”
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 investment companies that are installing EV chargers over the past 12 months.
The EV charger investment continues Bowker Motor Group’s long-held environmental focus. Ten years ago, 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.
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 Motor Group has agreed a further two-year corporate partnership extension with AFC Fylde.
The West Stand will now carry Bowker Motor Group’s name until the end of the 2024/25 season. The Bowker Motor Group Stand is the stadium’s largest seating area; it accounts for 2,000 of the stadium’s total 6,000 capacity.
For Bowker Motor Group, Tom Fox said: “We have a proud and long-standing relationship with AFC Fylde. We are especially pleased to formally continue as sponsor of the Bowker Motor Group Stand.”
Also for Bowker Motor Group, Jonathan Rogan, an AFC Fylde supporter himself, said: “The Coasters are a great club with passionate support. They play a key role in the local community. The bond with the community mirrors the success on the pitch, not least last season with promotion to the National League with 109 goals and points to spare. We hope that our support, along with the support of other local businesses, will help to maintain the club on its upward trajectory.”
The partnership between Bowker Motor Group and AFC Fylde originally began in 2014 with sponsorship of the youth team kits. In 2016/17, AFC Fylde moved into their new ground at Mill Farm. The original agreement in 2016 was AFC Fylde’s first corporate partnership at the new Mill Farm Stadium.
For AFC Fylde, Craig Dootson, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our relationship with Bowker Motor Group is a partnership in every sense of the word. Their support goes way beyond a sponsorship agreement. The Bowker Motor Group Stand has become one of the most recognisable in non-league. It’s great news for us all that they will be with us for another two seasons.”
LEARN AT WORK WEEK
At Bowker Motor Group, we are proud to be celebrating Learning at Work Week (LAW Week – May 15th to 21st) this week.
Learning at Work Week is an annual event that shines a light on the power of continual learning and development in the workplace. Led nationally by Campaign for Learning, LAW Week aims to foster learning cultures and emphasise the importance and benefits of ongoing learning.
Throughout this LAW Week, we’ll showcase our commitment to learning and its incredible impact on our team members and organisation. We’ll share daily staff stories telling us what continual learning has meant to them and the advantages it has created.
We’ll discover the following:
- How learning is the foundation for growth and success.
- The importance of curiosity, personal development, and professional advancement.
This year, LAW Week’s theme is “Create the future.” This theme focuses on how lifelong learning in the workplace helps us personally achieve our goals but also enables us to shape our lives, communities, and the world around us. Through continuous learning, we drive innovation and achieve our organisational ambitions.
Join us as we embrace Learning at Work Week and create a brighter future together. Let’s tap into the power of lifelong learning, inspire each other, and achieve remarkable things.
At Bowker Motor Group, we’re ready to make the most of LAW Week and set our sights on an exciting journey of growth and development. Read the stories of our employees below:
Jess O'Neill
senior marketing executive
I joined Bowker in 2016 when I was 17. Since joining the company, I’ve completed my CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Level 4 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing. I’m currently completing my CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing to get my Chartership.
I truly believe my career in marketing started when I began my studies. It opened my eyes to the world of digital marketing, improved my professional knowledge, and helped my self-confidence within the job. I’ve always been naturally creative, but having the opportunity to study the theory of marketing has added another string to my bow.
I’ve learnt everything from digital marketing strategy, campaign planning, customer experience management, and the importance marketing has in business growth. I enjoyed meeting fellow marketers from different sectors in the classroom – being able to share a common interest and having the support of like-minded individuals throughout the past year has been extremely valuable.
Whilst learning at work, I have been lucky enough to have the support of my fantastic Manager, Amy Lancaster-Hall. Amy is a Chartered Marketer through the CIM Programme. I can support other employees with my new-found knowledge, which can be applied to my daily jobs. I’m incredibly proud of my promotion to senior marketing executive, which I couldn’t have achieved without my learning.
On-the-job learning has been a fantastic opportunity for me to grow as a marketer and support the growth of the business! I work within a great team, and it’s a delight to assist in decision-making and strategy planning, all supported by my learning. Likewise, this would apply to anyone in any professional sector pursuing on-the-job learning.
The digital marketing environment is constantly changing, and it is essential to maintain consistent learning whilst using my knowledge to bring new and innovative ideas to the table to stay ahead of the curve!
If you’re considering taking a course at work? I say: ”Do it!” At Bowker, we’re lucky to have an employer supporting our professional development. I encourage anyone to expand their knowledge within their department to jump in! It! It can be challenging when working full-time. You need to be prepared for the long hours of hard work. But the results make it all worthwhile.
Chris Nuttall
Workshop manager
I joined Bowker in 2003 as a Technician. I started training through the academy, working towards achieving BMW Technician status and BMW Senior Technician certification. Most recently, I am currently working towards my Management and Leadership certification.
The course highlights the positive impact of flexibility and responsiveness on individuals and group dynamics. It emphasises the importance of these qualities in creating an environment that helps us all grow and develop. This means higher motivation, engagement, and productivity among individuals and groups.
I enjoyed learning about myself and understanding my core strengths and those of others. Learning helps you prepare for different situations, including having the technical knowledge to give our customers the best experience and reassurance. Their vehicle is in our care.
I will always want to develop further. Whether at work, the Academy or home, every day is a school day! Lifelong learning is helping me keep up to date with changes and developments, including allowing us, as leaders, at all levels, to focus on how we communicate and work with one another.
Ella Grimshaw
Receptionist/showroom host
I have been working at Bowker since November 2020. I attended Blackburn College and worked in Reception at Bowker BMW.
In college, I learned how to treat customers equally and deal with complaints. I learned a lot about Bowker and the company’s working processes. I enjoyed the one day out of work to learn something different.
As part of the customer service course, I had to make journal entries on what I had done in the past week. This helped me understand my job roles and responsibilities in Reception.
Continual learning helps bring new knowledge to the business. It also encourages team-building skills and grows the business. I’ve developed a lot too! I can research different topics, have good communication skills, and adapt to different environments.
I would encourage colleagues to take the course I completed. It is a good step toward improving knowledge and understanding. It also gives the knowledge you now have to share with colleagues to improve how the team works, and we work together.
Phil Darwen
senior Technician
In 2022 I achieved Senior Technician status in the spring. I then continued studying at home and work and achieved Master Technician status during the Autumn.
It’s one of the most challenging technical accreditations in his trade, and I’m now one of only 70 Master Technicians in the country. I’ve been told that completing my senior and master technician accreditations in the same year is rare and typically takes candidates years to complete.
BMW offers pioneering technology on their vehicles, and I enjoy keeping up to date with the systems they use. The BMW Connected App and the cars’ digital systems are ever-changing. Having the opportunity to learn whilst at work, with the current range of vehicles, helps me to stay familiar with and assist customers effectively.
BMW’s hybrid/electric range is advancing rapidly. Keeping up with this technology is my current challenge and will shape my learning over the coming months.
I have over 25 years of experience in the motor industry. The product has changed so much over time. Learning has been vital to stay ahead and achieve my ambitions. Continued education is crucial to offer our customers the expected service and keep staff focused.
I encourage any of my colleagues to embrace any learning they can. Having the knowledge we need to serve our customers well also significantly increases personal job satisfaction.