Category: Mini News
We are delighted to have officially switched on 1600 new solar panels across our dealership roofs in Blackburn and Preston.
The new panels will allow our Centres to generate a quarter of our electricity from solar energy and reduce their carbon footprint by 130 tonnes!
The official solar panel switch-on was in recognition of Earth Day on Saturday, 22 April 2023.
Our Director, Jonathan Rogan, said: “It was perfect timing that Earth Day followed so soon after installing the new panels. We officially celebrated the switch on and joined other businesses across the globe to raise awareness of climate issues.
“Our new investment will significantly impact reducing our carbon footprint. As a company, we’re committed to leading the way in environmentally-friendly business practices. And we hope to inspire our staff, customers and others in the community about important environmental issues.”
Bowker has invested in sustainable energy before. In 2012, our Blackburn dealership installed 210 solar panels, making it the first car dealership in Lancashire to adopt solar energy. Since then, these panels have saved the company money and reduced carbon emissions by 500 tonnes.
Bowker Motor Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability was also recognised by BMW UK after recently receiving the first-ever National Retailer Award for Sustainability. Read more here.
Earth Day is an annual event promoting environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s threats. This day is marked by various activities such as rallies, community clean-ups, and educational programs to encourage people to take action to protect the environment.
BMW Group UK has added Pod Point as a preferred EV home chargepoint supplier for MINI retail customers, further enhancing home charging services for retail customers.

Pod Point have entered into a three-year agreement to allow MINI customers to receive an offer of a home charger consultation and installation by Pod Point’s expert team.
This partnership will also allow MINI customers an increased access to Pod Point’s vast network of National charge points, bringing over 6,200 additional charging bays, allowing you to seamlessly connect to over 11,000 electric vehicle charging stations in the UK.
The MINI Electric and Plug-in Hybrid range offers drivers the option of a more sustainable driving experience without sacrificing the go-kart feel that MINI is known for. Both the MINI Electric and Plug-in Hybrid range are capable of driving in all-electric mode, producing zero emissions. With a range of up to 140-145 miles on a single charge for the MINI Electric and up to 26 miles of pure electric driving for the Plug-in Hybrid models, these vehicles are ideal for urban commuting and short trips. Plus, their compact size and agile handling make them perfect for navigating city streets and tight parking spots.
Bowker MINI had a fantastic time at Lancashire Business Expo 2023. The annual expo, held on Friday, 24th March, at Preston Guild Hall, attracted over 1,600 visitors.

The team from Bowker MINI offered advice on electric and hybrid fleet benefits, with information on EV range, performance, and cost savings. They also had a team of experts on hand to answer questions and provide one-on-one consultations.
Bowker MINI was one of over 120 exhibitors and exhibition partners showcasing their businesses, a new record for exhibition stand sales and visitor registrations.
Bowker MINI marketing manager, Amy Lancaster-Hall, said, “What a great event! The Lancashire Business Expo is always a fantastic opportunity to meet other local businesses. Thank you to Shout Expo for their hard work, and congratulations on delivering another memorable event.”
Director of Shout Expo, Jordan Conlin, echoed the positive sentiment: “This year’s LBE was off the scale – so much fun. Preston Guild Hall was buzzing. We’re all exhausted, but we’re already excited about 2024! A huge thanks to all our partners and exhibitors who made the expo such a huge success and to the visitors who came along to see what the fuss is all about and give our exhibitors the chance to showcase their services.”
The Lancashire Business Expo has established itself as an important annual event for businesses in the region, combining exhibition stands, networking opportunities, and interactive activities.
For more information and reactions to this year’s Lancashire Business Expo, search for #LBE2023 across social channels.
As part of the MINI ‘Big Love’ campaign, Bowker MINI on Preston Docks and Trident Park in Blackburn will volunteer staff time to The Ribble Rivers Trust from August. The centres will also invite MINI owners to join them in volunteering activities.
The Ribble Rivers Trust is involved in a number of important conservation activities in the Ribble catchment area. Volunteers will be involved in organised support which may include tree planting, clean ups, fencing, and brash building using wood from fallen trees.
For Bowker MINI in Blackburn, Daniel Gibson said: “All our staff live locally. Many of our staff enjoy the Ribble Valley countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Bowker MINI already supports a range of local charities and organisations. But we wanted to build on our volunteering and charity partnerships; especially when it comes to helping the local area.”
For Bowker MINI in Preston, Peter Turner added: “With the Ribble Rivers Trust, there are many different activities and options to interest staff. We are promoting the conservation work in our Centre and to our MINI owners; encouraging them to get involved too!”
The Bowker MINI volunteering pledge also forms part of a national initiative launched by MINI UK called Big Love. MINI retailers nationally have submitted a unique Big Love pledge. Each pledge is an ongoing commitment to each retailer’s local community. This simple promise encourages centres to build partnerships with local organisations, like The Ribble Rivers Trust, to deliver help and support.
The Ribble Rivers Trust is a local charity working to improve, protect and promote the River Ribble for both people and wildlife. Based in Clitheroe, the Trust works with the public and private organisations to deliver river improvements. Projects can take place across the entire Ribble catchment for the benefit of local people and the environment.
Jack Spees, chief executive for The Ribble Rivers Ribble Trust, said: “Our team of Ribble Rivers Trust volunteers are incredibly important to us. They are the vital work force we need to help deliver our projects, and the eyes and ears of this vast area! It’s great news that Bowker MINI staff will be joining us.
“With over 3,114 miles of rivers and streams in the catchment there is always a lot to do. Bowker MINI staff will enjoy the great outdoors and meet like-minded people, as well as gaining experience and learning new skills.
“All Bowker MINI’s help is appreciated. Their volunteers will be able to do as much or as little as they can manage. We can’t be everywhere at once. But, with a dedicated team of volunteers on the ground, we can get pretty close!”
Organisations interested in volunteering for the Ribble Rivers Trust can find out more here by visiting ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer/