Category: News
A Blackburn BMW centre service manager has celebrated a 30 year employment milestone.
Stewart Rose joined Bowker BMW – now on Trident Park in Blackburn – as an apprentice when the centre was based in Accrington back in 1985.
Since then, he’s fulfilled many roles including apprentice technician, workshop foreman, technical advisor, workshop controller and now service manager.
Stewart has celebrated his 30 year milestone by confirming a key new role in Bowker Motor Group’s liaison with Blackburn College to help students develop and gain employability skills.
Stewart said:
“I’ve always considered myself very fortunate to have been able to stick with a job I love throughout my working career – starting from the moment I left full-time education. That’s why I’m so passionate about the new work we’re doing with Blackburn College.
“I’m just a local lad who started out as an apprentice. The thing is, apprenticeships deliver real careers and long and fulfilling ones too. And I’m the living proof!”
Last month Bowker BMW signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Blackburn College, signifying a partnership between the college and local motor dealers to establish a Regional Automotive Technology Development Programme.
The partnership secured £95,500 from the Edge Foundation’s Innovation and Development Fund to set up the Programme and create a ‘real-world learning environment’ with new work experience opportunities to help students get into employment.
Chris Eccles managing director at Bowker BMW said:
“I think everyone at Bowker understands the importance of work experience and having appropriate role models to learn from. After an incredible 30 years learning and crafting his trade, Stewart is an inspiration to us all.
“We always seek his advice, and now thanks to the new partnership with Blackburn College, students will be able to benefit from his vast experience too.”
The scholarship programme at Bowker BMW is open to motor vehicle students to apply for, they will then be shortlisted and will go through an interview and selection process to get a place. The students who are chosen will have work experience at Bowker BMW in Blackburn.
Bowker Motor Group are delighted to be a category sponsor for the Ribble Valley Business Awards 2015. There will be 16 award categories, celebrating and bringing together the very best that the RIbble Valley has to offer.
Ribble Valley Business Awards 2015 is organised by Enterprising People, in association with a team of Ribble Valley volunteer enterprise mentors. Our aim is to recognise and celebrate the enterprising people and businesses that make Ribble Valley such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
We are determined to make participating in this competition as simple as possible.
How it works:
When nominations open on July 9th, visit the nominations page of this site you will find a very simple form on which you can nominate a Ribble Valley business for the Bowland BioEnergy Award or the Customer Friendly Business Award, or a local person for the Enterprising Person Award.
When you submit your nomination, we contact the business you have nominated and invite them to enter the competition by completing an entry form. On the entry form they can choose which other award categories they would like to enter. We ask them to provide us information about why their business should win the award categories they want to enter. This helps the judging panel consider all the entries in September.
Judging is divided into two activities: shortlisting and deciding the winners. The judging panel consists of members of our volunteer mentoring team. A representative of the category sponsor joins the judging panel for the award they sponsor.
If a business is shortlisted in any award category they get a free ticket to the Awards Ceremony on October 15th.
The winners are announced at the Ceremony, where they will receive a framed certificate and a trophy which has been designed and made by Ribblesdale High School.
For more information visit www.ribblevalleybusinessawards.co.uk
AFC Fylde have revealed their first corporate partnership at the club’s new ground Mill Farm in Wesham.
The agreement with Preston-based Bowker Motor Group will see the stadium’s West Stand carry the group’s name and branding for the next two years.
The new Bowker Motor Group Stand accounts for 2,000 of the new stadium’s total capacity and also houses the 290-capacity Bradleys Sports Bar, Milano’s Restaurant, Aroma Cafe and Churchill’s conference and event facility.
Director of Community Development at AFC Fylde, Tom Hutton, said: “We already enjoy a wonderful relationship with Bowker, spanning over two years. We are especially grateful for their continued support which has previously included stand, youth team and Community Foundation sponsorships.
“We hope this milestone West Stand partnership with Bowker Motor Group will inspire even more new initiatives between the club and successful regional businesses.”
AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm Stadium is the centrepiece of the new £18 million Mill Farm Sports Village. The development is now open seven days a week and includes eight 5-a-side and two 7-a-side 3G pitches, a full-size hockey pitch and football pitch, a petrol station and a host of restaurants and bars.
Bowker Motor Group director Tom Fox said: “The level of ambition at AFC Fylde is capturing the imagination of North West sport fans and businesses alike. We particularly hope that the club’s ambition will continue to ignite increased community involvement.
“It would be wonderful to think that Bowker Motor Group’s support for the club will play its part in inspiring more local footballers in the future.”
- Fabulous, challenging routes – 25, 60 & 100 miles
- Electronic Chip Timing
- Lots of food, much of it home-baked
- Supporting worthwhile charities
Bowker Motor Group are proud to announce their sponsorship of this year’s Ribble Valley Ride. The event had its debut last year and everyone was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers -the Rotary Clubs of Accrington and Clitheroe, who include senior Rotarian Malcolm Baldwin and long-distance charity cyclist and sportive enthusiast Bill Honeywell (aka @CancerBikeMan).
This year the Ribble Valley Ride will be the final event in the week-long Ribble Valley Cycle Festival, and has a choice of 25-, 60- and 100-mile routes, all of which take in some of the best roads and scenery the Ribble Valley and Yorkshire Dales have to offer.
Bowker Motor Group will be at the Whalley start/finish venue, and are delighted to be associated with the other main sponsors – Beacon Bikes, Dare2B Clothing, and Envair Limited. We’ll be supporting the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, CRY and Dan’s Trust, so join us on this great event by entering now at www.ribblevalleyride.org!
Don’t forget to Like and Follow the event on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.
Bowker Motor Group are delighted to announce our support of the Bright Spark award at the inaugural Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards. The black tie event takes place on Thursday April 30 at Blackburn Cathedral. currently open for entry from businesses, organisations and people, the awards will celebrate the very best of business within the Borough. Khalid Saifullah, chairman of the Hive Network and director of local manufacturing firm Star Tissue UK, said: “The Hive business leaders network is pleased to announce that the inaugural Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards is now open to businesses, organisations and individuals based in Blackburn and Darwen. “It’s a great chance for all businesses in the Borough to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them. We look forward to receiving entries and celebrating with everyone on the night.”
There are twelve awards in total; the Hive Chairman’s Award and also the Arte et Labore Award. The Young Entrepreneur and also the Bright Spark Award. alternative classes include; The Eureka Award, The Newcomer Award, The International action Award, The High Growth Award, The producing Excellence Award, The artistic Agency Award, The finance within the Future Award and also the Enterprise in Education Award. Head to www.hivebusinessawards.co.uk for additional information and to enter now!
Paul Rowley (Rowland Homes) and Paul Bowker (Bowker Motor Group) will soon be heading off on a whistle stop tour of europe in a £500 BMW in aid of the Outward Bound Trust.
THE CHARITY
The Outward Bound Trust holds great focus around the development of young people. Taking away from their comfort zones and into the wilderness, the charity endeavour to provide young people with experiences they will never forget. The overall aim is to take children from all walks of life and plunge them into challenging and unfamiliar situations. In turn they become more confident, more effective and more capable at school, college and in the wprkplace.
THE CHALLENGERS
Paul Rowley – Rowland Homes Paul Rowley, group managing director of Rowland, was brought up in and around the construction industry, so it was only a matter of time, and the right circumstances, before he started his own business. In 1993, the acquisition of a promising piece of land in Leeds helped Paul realise his ambitions and Rowland Homes was formed. |  |
Paul Bowker – Bowker Motor Group Paul has overseen an incredibly busy transition period for the Bowker Motor Group in recent years. With winning the Maserati franchise for the North West and Cumbria, the acquisition of Southport Superbikes and the re-development of Preston BMW and Bowker Harley-Davidson. Paul enjoys playing golf, clay pigeon shooting and spending time with family! |  |
THE CHALLENGE
Well a challenge it certainly is. £500 might not get you very far in today’s used car market, but the two Pauls are hoping this little BMW 3 Series Compact has got at least 700 miles left in it. What a 700 miles it will be, starting in Folkestone and negotiating some of the most incredible roads in Europe including through the Black Forest of Germany, the Rhine Falls and the incredible San Bernadino Pass.
The three day adventure will grind to a hault alongside the beatifully picturesque and atmospheric Lake Como, where, out of a convoy of distincly mediocre cars will step a group of decidedly grumpy and tired Brits. Although, the long hours will have been worth it due to the kindness of everyone who has donated to this brilliant cause.
Over £10,000 has been raised already and we would love to keep that effort going and generate as much as possible. If you would lilke to donate, please click the link below.
An evening of rock music and good food was accompanied by the release of the all new 2015 Harley-Davidson® models. Around 150 were in attendance to get a first look at the incredible new range which included the Road Glide® Special, Street Glide® Special and Ultra Ltd® Low.
There were smiles all round with the first 100 guests receiving a copy of the special edition, 1914, “Guide to Touring” which gave a perspective of the changes in touring over the past 100 years. The bikes were the main attraction though, with the new models getting high praise from bike enthusiasts in attendance.
Be sure to browse our full line up of the new 2015 Harley-Davidson® models available.
To register your interest and to be one of the first to test-ride these brand new machines, please contact the dealership on 01772 551800.
Bowker Motor Group has gone from strength to strength with their recent expansions into new markets and investment to their flagship dealerships – and it looks set to continue into 2015 adding another string to their bow and with further growth plans. Writes Catherine Mallord.
Bowker has been a landmark of the Preston Docks for nearly 20 years and their latest venture sees them take on an additional 9,000 square feet having acquired a new gateway premises previously occupied by Glasgows Event Management Company.
The new site which originally was a customs office is to be refurbished and extended to accommodate the latest addition to the Bowker Motor Group – BMW Motorad (formerly Southport Superbikes). Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “Combining the two sites was an irresistible opportunity for us. It is such a prestigious location steeped in history and we are planning to build a motorcycle dealership that will be worthy of the address.”
The current docklands location, home to BMW and MINI has recently undergone a £1.5 million transformation as well. The two-phased development saw the BMW showroom refurbished in November 2013 in time for the launch of the all-electric BMW i3 with the dealership being one of just 46 sales agents to supply and support the revolutionary electric drive systems and premium mobility services from BMW i. This was then followed by an extension of the site creating additional showroom capacity to accommodate 16 more cars allowing them to display the ever expanding and exciting range from BMW whilst creating five additional jobs.
Paul said: “Southport Superbikes has been an outstanding dealership for over 30 years, well-known by the North West biking community for its customer service and genuine passion for BMW motorcycles. Being a family run business as well, it was these synergies with our own values that made it an appealing acquisition and a welcome addition to the group.”
This latest six-figure investment makes it the 10th dealership in the Bowker Motor Group establishing them as the biggest dealer in the area. In addition to the Preston sites of Harley Davidson, BMW and MINI – Bowker also has BMW and MINI at Trident Park in Blackburn, two car centres, as well as their Maserati dealership and their Prestige and Sports Car dealership, Bowker Ribble Valley on the A59 at Osbaldeston.
The new BMW Motorad will fit perfectly alongside Harley Davidson and the Group’s long standing partnership with BMW. Paul added: “We hope to open the new state of the art motorcycle dealership late this Spring. It will offer customers new and used bikes as well as a wide range of servicing, repairs and accessories.”
Credit: Live Magazines
www.live-magazines.co.uk
Lancashire motor group Bowker has revealed more expansion plans with the confirmed purchase of land adjacent to its docklands BMWand MINI centres in Preston.
The Preston docklands gateway location is over 9,000 square feet and currently occupied by event management company Glasgows who are moving to new premises. One of its previous roles was a customs office.
The site will become the home of the recently-acquired BMW Motorrad operation currently trading as Southport Superbikes.
And this latest six-figure investment will establish Bowker as the biggest motor dealer in the Preston area.
Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said,
“Combining the two sites was an irresistible opportunity. Thousands of people pass the entrance to Preston Docks every day. We are planning to build a new motorcycle dealership that will be worthy of such a prestigious location.
“Bowker Motor Group has gone through an exciting period of expansion over the last two years. And this latest deal continues our ongoing commitment to the Lancashire motoring sector.”
In October 2012, Bowker Motor Group opened its first non-franchise Bowker dealership in Osbaldeston near Blackburn on the A59 with an investment of over £750,000. The new dealership on the site formerly occupied by Bay Horse Saab is called ‘Bowker Ribble Valley’ and created 10 new jobs.
Also last year, Bowker unveiled a new £600,000 extension to the MINI showroom on the same site. The extension increased the showroom capacity from three to eight cars creating three new jobs.
In August 2013 Bowker announced a new two-phased development of its Preston centre. The first phase of the refurbished BMW showroom was completed in November in time for the launch of the all-electric BMW i3 in November 2013. Bowker is one of only 46 sales Agents that supply and support BMW i – BMW’s revolutionary new sub-brand featuring electric drive systems and premium mobility services.
In March this year Bowker opened Lancashire’s first Maserati dealership in Osbaldeston on the same site as Bowker Ribble Valley.
In June, Bowker BMW opened its new expanded and refurbished centre in Preston after an investment of over £1.5 million delivered additional showroom capacity to accommodate 16 more cars and 34 in total. Bowker BMW in Preston is now one of the most advanced BMW centres in the country. And the investment also created a further five new jobs.
And finally, in August, Bowker Motor Group acquired Southport Superbikes on Eastbank Street in Southport marking an exciting new chapter for 34-year old Merseyside BMW Motorcycle dealership – and safeguarding numerous local jobs.
Bowker Motor Group already owned nine dealerships including BMW, MINI and Maserati franchises in Blackburn, Preston and Osbaldeston. Southport Superbikes became the tenth, joining Harley-Davidson Preston as the second prestige motorcycle dealership in the group.
Lancashire motor group Bowker will begin building a new group headquarters and motorcycle dealership – after Preston City Council approved plans for a six-figure transformation of the former Preston Docks customs office.
The newly-approved plans extend and enhance the existing nautical themed building by 4500 square feet providing in total 13,000 square feet at this prominent Preston docklands gateway location.
As well as a new administrative and marketing hub for Bowker Motor Group, the ground floor has been earmarked for a new dealership – Bowker motor group’s tenth – and the home of the recently-acquired BMW Motorrad operation currently trading as Southport Superbikes.
The new building is expected to open in the Summer of 2015.
Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said,
“We’ve enjoyed an exciting period of expansion over the last two years. This latest investment continues our ongoing commitment to the Lancashire motoring sector. Our new headquarters building will establish Bowker as the biggest motor dealer in the Preston area.
“There has been a lot of hard work, planning and thought gone into our plans for a building which will transform the main gateway to Preston docks. It’s a prominent and prestigious location and we hope people will be proud of what we are building.
“We are very grateful to the authorities and the team of professionals who have helped us make it through the crucial planning stage.”
The building was officially acquired in October from event management company Glasgows who have moved to new premises.
The proposed development, designed by Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy practice Cassidy + Ashton, feature a first floor administration suite of contemporary offices for the group’s directors, training and marketing department.
The plans also cover key environmental and sustainability considerations including underground surface water attenuation, efficient lighting and photovoltaics on the roof. The building itself includes an employee shower block in response to demand from employees cycling to work.
Bowker Motor Group already owned nine dealerships including BMW, MINI and Maserati franchises in Blackburn, Preston and Osbaldeston. Southport Superbikes became the tenth, joining Harley-Davidson Preston as the second prestige motorcycle dealership in the group.
Bowker BMW on the docks in Preston has revealed plans to expand the dealership.
The proposed two-phase development will cost £750,000 and initially see the building refurbished in time for the launch of it’s i Agent dealership – Lancashire’s first BMW electric car dealership – in November.
The second phase would see the capacity of the dealership increase to accommodate a further 16 cars and 34 in total, creating as many as five new jobs in the process.
Managing director Tom Fox said,
“Our i Agent launch is a massive opportunity for the dealership. We have a wonderful location. But we still have space to develop and enhance the retail experience for all our customers.
“With new models, and the i Agent launch in particular, we’ll be showcasing some of the most technologically-advanced production cars on the planet. So we need to ensure we have a facility here to match the cars on show.”
Bowker Preston will be one only 46 sales agents that will supply and support BMW i, BMW’s revolutionary new sub-brand featuring electric drive systems and premium mobility services.
In January, Bowker unveiled a new £600,000 extension to the MINI showroom on the same site. The extension, built by Longridge-based Carefoot, increased the showroom capacity from three to eight cars and created three new jobs.
In October 2012, Bowker Motor Group opened its first non-franchise Bowker dealership in Osbaldeston near Blackburn on the A59 with an investment of over £750,000. The new dealership on the site formerly occupied by Bay Horse Saab is called ‘Bowker Ribble Valley’ and created 10 new jobs.
And later this year Bowker will open Lancashire’s first Maserati dealership on its Osbaldeston site.
Bowker Motor Group has been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious AM Awards.
Highlighting the company’s continued success, Bowker is a finalist in the Best Retail Group (under 10 sites) category. Designed to recognise and honour quality, innovation and service, this category acknowledges the performance successes of each of the Bowker sites.
In addition, Bowker BMW Blackburn has also been shortlisted for Excellence in Aftersales. As one of the most competitive parts of the motor industry, service and repair departments must display value for money and high levels of customer service. Bowker is one of four companies shortlisted for this award.
The AM Awards is an annual automotive-industry awards ceremony. Associated with the Automotive Management Magazine, which provides news and coverage on the UK’s automotive industry, the awards are recognised by some of the most respected figures of the industry. Each category is judged by a range of industry experts.
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday 20th February at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. BBC presenter Sophie Raworth hosted the event, with entertainment provided by comedian Marcus Brigstocke.
The BMW i8 is the second model to be launched from BMW i. It is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the BMW Group and the world’s most forward-looking sports car. The revolutionary interpretation of BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure and groundbreaking premium character is clearly defined in terms of sustainability.
Design
Being a 2+2-seater with LifeDrive the architecture has been developed specifically for BMW i, with its aerodynamically groundbreaking body design and visionary interior design which delivers an intense driving experience. Along with the Life module passenger cell being made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, its sports drive system technology, high-voltage battery, chassis, and crash and structural functions integrate into the aluminium Drive module. And with a very low centre of gravity it gives the vehicle a well-balanced weight distribution.
The emotion-led visual impression based around established BMW i design language consists of classical sports car proportions and fresh interpretation of BMW design features; doors open upwards like wings; clean lines, plus surface design (external and internal) based on the layering principle; full-LED headlights as standard, innovative laser headlights – unique worldwide – available as an option.
With its sophisticated chassis technology featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle the BMW i8 also has Electric Power Steering; Dynamic Damper Control which comes as standard along with 20-inch light-alloy wheels. (Carbon wheels are optional)
The Intelligent lightweight construction consists of elements such as a carbon –fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminium structure, an instrument panel with magnesium support, an aluminium chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from thin glass; comprehensive safety concept and an ultra-torsionally stiff passenger cell.
Development
The Plug-in hybrid system developed and produced by the BMW Group represents the latest development stage of EfficientDynamics; debut for three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox via a model-specific hybrid synchronous electric motor, power channelled through the front wheels via a two-stage automatic transmission; lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling and usable capacity of 5 kWh.
Technology
A combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology plus intelligent energy management produce system output of 266 kW/362 hp (max. torque: 570 Nm / 420 lb-ft) gives the BMW i8 the performance characteristics of a pure-bred sports car combined with fuel economy and emissions figures more familiar from a small car (EU fuel consumption: 2.5 litres per 100 km / 113 mpg imp); “glued-to-the-road” AWD driving experience with torque distribution geared towards optimised dynamics.
The Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow driver to choose from four driving modes:
COMFORT – offers optimum balance between dynamics and efficiency; combined range in everyday conditions.
SPORT – with ultra-intense boost function provided by the electric motor;
ECO PRO – can be used in both all-electric mode and hybrid mode.
EMODE – available in comfort n eco pro modes, makes the car fully electric with a range of 22miles.
Extensive standard equipment includes the Professional Navigation system with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display, leather sports seats and a choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants.
The BMW i8 offers a wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive features: Park Distance Control, cruise control system with braking function, rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function as standard. Optional driver assistance package with High Beam Assistant, a rear view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition as well as the braking function; also available are the Head-Up Display, BMW Online Entertainment, Concierge Services, Real Time Traffic Information and mobility services developed specifically for BMW i, e.g. intermodal route guidance.
Charging
These services have been specifically developed for BMW i as part of the 360° ELECTRIC programme. The BMW i Wallbox which can be installed for convenient battery charging at home, ChargeNow card giving customers a cash-free payment option at public charging stations and innovative mobility services such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse.
The all-embracing sustainability concept running like a thread through the value chain; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials.
For more information please contact BMW i Genius, Ben Cornwell, on 01772 769976 or complete the enquiry form at the side of the page and Ben will call you back.
Bowker BMW in Blackburn has confirmed its highest-ever first quarter turnover in history.
Over 500 cars were sold from the motor group’s BMW, MINI and Car Centre dealerships on Trident Park off Whitebirk Drive in Blackburn in the first three months of the year – with 300 cars sold in March alone.
The total turnover for January, February and March in 2014 exceeded £16 million.
Managing director Chris Eccles said,
“The team at Blackburn have performed exceptionally well. The figures mean we have a firm foundation not just to succeed for the rest of the year but to allow further investment in people, training and our facility.
“What gives me the greatest of pleasure is the fact that our busiest trading period in our history been achieved with exceptional levels of customer service. Whilst only 10% of the UK dealer network have reached 20 star status; Bowker Blackburn has achieved 20 Star status again – that’s every year since the launch of the star rating programme.”
Last month, Bowker MINI employee Daniel Gibson won the coveted title of National MINI New Car Business Manager for the Year at a glittering ceremony in London. More than 200 other UK business managers were considered, but Daniel’s results for customer satisfaction and retention ranked him higher than the competition.
Daniel’s success came in the month that Bowker Motor Group were also finalists in the ‘Best Retail Group’ category and Bowker Blackburn finalists in ‘Excellence in Aftersales’ at the 2014 Automotive Management Awards.
Bowker Blackburn was a finalist in ‘Accessorisor’ and Bowker Group in ‘Marketing Guru’ at the 2014 MINI Oscars.
Phil Curwen of Bowker Blackburn Car Centre has challenged himself with running the Paris Marathon followed by the London Marathon the following weekend. Being a keen runner Phil has run the London and Paris marathons previously but never imagined he would be competing in both in the same week at the age of 63. “I have struggled to get a place in the London Marathon over the past few years so have competed in Paris instead, this year I applied for both and have been lucky enough to be accepted for both!” explained Phil. “My theory is if I’m fit enough for the first one and don’t get any injuries I can do the second one. I am aiming to finish in less than 5 hours for each race whilst collecting vital funds for the Samaritan centre in Preston.”
Volunteering as a Samaritan for more than 20 years, Phil understands how important donations are to keep the centres running. “We need roughly £1,000 a week to run the centre and we rely solely on donations as we don’t get any sponsorship. I would love everybody I know to donate a couple of pounds, sadly people usually think they have to give a large donation but you don’t need to, every pound really does count and quickly adds up.”
If you would like to donate to support Phil through the average 800,000 steps he needs to complete each marathon please visit his just giving page at www.justgiving.com/philip-curwen1