Category: Ribble Valley News
Please note our dealership will be closed on Saturday 9 March due to planned electrical works from Electricity Northwest. This day closure will affect both our sales and aftersales departments.
If you have an urgent enquiry on this day, we will be picking up phone calls and emails. Click Here to contact us.
We’ll be back open as usual from Monday 11 March at 8.30am!
Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston has confirmed a new partnership to provide INEOS Grenadier support vehicles for the 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages.
The partnership means the rally will return in 2024, after a year’s hiatus, with three INEOS Grenadier vehicles exclusively driven by safety-trained professionals during the event.
The 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages will be the opening round of the Probite British Rally Championship and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship. It will feature 58 stage miles over 10 special stages on closed public roads across Lancaster, Wyre and the Ribble Valley.
The iconic event will take place on the 22nd to 23rd of March 2024. The rally will kick off with a ceremonial civic send-off from Garstang’s High Street and a triumphant return for a champagne finish, marking innovative and spectator-friendly features of the event, supported by Garstang Town Council.
The rally will be hosted at Myerscough College’s Bilsborrow campus, serving as the Rally Headquarters, Central Service and Scrutineering location. Rallying enthusiasts and students at the College benefit from firsthand experience, enhancing the educational aspect of the partnership.
Speaking about the new partnership, Richard Rawlings, for Bowker Ribble Valley, said: “Bowker are proud to support the Legend Fires North West Stages in 2024. The INEOS Grenadier vehicles are robust and dependable, making them an ideal choice for support vehicles for one of the highlights of the North West autosport calendar.”
“The Legend Fires North West Stages attracts thousands of people each year. It is a great opportunity to see some of the best rally drivers in the country competing on some of the most challenging and exciting roads in Lancashire. We can’t wait for the event.”
Rally Director Mark Hothersall from Legend Fires North West Stages said: “Having Bowker Ribble Valley on board as our support vehicle supplier is a fantastic addition to our event. The 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages promises to be the best yet. The rally’s return is a testament to the dedication of all involved, and we can’t wait to deliver a rally that we hope lives long in the memories of rallying enthusiasts and the local community.”
The North West Stages was first organised in 1995, but in 2019, was only the second car rally in England to take advantage of the updated Road Traffic Act legislation, which allows Councils to close public roads for motorsport events. The 2024 event will run exclusively on closed public highways, covering 58 miles over 10 special stages. Each stage will take place on the Saturday.
The All-New INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster was recently unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed, becoming the newest edition to the Grenadier family.
The All-New Grenadier Quartermaster, is a double cab pick-up variant of the award-winning Grenadier, and made its global debut on Thursday 13th July at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It made a very special appearance on the famous hillclimb with some familiar Goodwood faces to celebrate two 75-year automotive anniversaries – motorsports at Goodwood and the Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket that lends its name to one of Grenadier’s trims.
Configure your Quartermaster here.
To make an enquiry or request a call back, please contact us using the form below.
A Lancashire car parts advisor has become the only female competitor to qualify for the regional finals in a national Go Kart tournament.
28-year-old Laura Duckett from Accrington, a parts advisor at Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston, is the only female competitor remaining in the 500 regional finalists in the Euro Parts Garage Karting Tournament.
Laura took the podium at the TeamSport circuit in Trafford Park in Manchester after a 16-lap final race on a kart reaching over 30 miles per hour. The last 500 nationally, including Laura, have beaten off the challenge of over 5,000 participants competing in 150 heats.
Laura now has her eyes on the regional finals and making it through as one of 45 finalists. In addition to national glory, the ultimate winner will receive prizes, including Milwaukee tools and workshop solutions packages worth up to £5,000.
Laura, who has been working for Bowker for seven years, said: “I love Go Karting, and I’m excited to have qualified for the Euro Parts Garage Karting Tournament regional finals! I was surprised to learn I am the last female to make it through. But I’m not sure that matters much. If you’re the fastest, then you’re the fastest! And that’s what’s important!
“I’m looking forward to the regional finals, and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Laura started Go Karting at the age of 8 but had not been in a Go Kart for five years before the race. Laura also raced MINI stock cars from 11 to 15. Laura’s family are racers; sisters, dad, brother, and uncle have all raced MINI stocks and stock cars. Laura’s cousin races F2 stock cars. Laura’s twin sister Amy, who works in the steel industry, also races Go Karts and stocks.
For Bowker Ribble Valley, Richard Rawlings said: “I think it is great that Laura is so good at a motorsport activity that overlaps with her day job too! We’re incredibly proud of Laura. She’s an exceptional parts advisor and a fierce competitor. It’s a good combination! We’re all rooting for her in the regional finals!”
The Euro Parts Garage Karting Tournament is a nationwide competition for car mechanics and technicians organised by Euro Car Parts. The tournament promotes competition and camaraderie in the automotive industry while raising money for charity. The tournament has grown significantly since its inception in 2021, from just under 1,400 competitors to 5,000 in 2023.
The Euro Parts Garage Karting Tournament fosters friendly competition within the automotive industry and raises charity money. In 2021, the tournament raised over £20,000 for Ben, a charity supporting people with disabilities.
Bowker Ribble Valley has installed its first defibrillator after an employee who suffered from chest pains required an ambulance.
Andy Armstrong, a technician at the dealership, fell unwell on 17th June last year. After a short stay in Blackburn Royal Hospital, he has recovered. But, the experience prompted discussions about installing a defibrillator on site.
More than 20 Bowker Ribble Valley staff are now getting to grips with the new defibrillator. St. John’s Ambulance have provided on-site first aid training for employees.
Andy Armstrong, who inspired the defibrillator installation, said: “I was lucky. The ambulance service responded quickly. And their prompt care made all the difference. It was an anxious time, and the experience made me think of others who may also need help.
“We started talking about having a defibrillator on-site. It’s great news that we’ve installed one. Better still, it will be available to anyone in the local area who may need it.”
Since their introduction in the early 2000s, The UK Resuscitation Council say that defibrillators have saved over 30,000 lives in the UK. Many private UK companies and organisations now have defibrillators in case of a cardiac emergency. Bowker Motor Group already has five defibrillators (now six, including the new one at Ribble Valley) across sites in Preston and Blackburn.
Bowker Ribble Valley director Chris Eccles added: “We are grateful that Andy is fit and well. His experience was a timely reminder to us all. Our investment in another defibrillator will make a positive impact on our community. Health, well-being, and safety are top priorities. It is another small way we can help make a difference.”
A beautiful snow-covered scene and a frosty windscreen on a cold winter morning. Opening your curtains to find your car covered in a layer of ice can be a rude awakening, especially if you’re running late for work.
Whether you’re crazy for kettles or a de-icer devotee, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll go through the pros and cons of various ways of defrosting your windscreen and provide you with the perfect step-by-step process to defrost your windscreen safely.
Step 1: Use Your Car’s Heating System
The first thing to do when faced with a frosty windscreen is to turn on your car’s heating system. If your vehicle has a heated windscreen or back window, turn it on too. The heating system will help defrost the glass from the inside. Additionally, using your car’s air-con can help clear any condensation on the inside, making the process faster. However, don’t leave your vehicle unattended while running, as this could lead to theft or an accident.
Step 2: Warm Water
Pouring warm water over your windscreen can be a quick solution to defrosting. However, ensuring the water is not boiling is crucial as boiling water could cause glass to crack. Use warm water from your tap instead. After pouring the water, use an ice scraper to remove the excess slush. Better still? Warm water will increase the temperature of your windscreen, making it less likely to mist over when you set off.
Step 3: De-icer Spray
Using a de-icer spray can also help defrost your windscreen quickly. You can buy a de-icing spray from your local petrol station or make your own by mixing water with rubbing alcohol or vinegar. Be sure to use a fair amount and allow it to work for a few minutes before using an ice scraper to remove any excess ice.
Step 4: Prevention
One of the best ways to deal with a frosty windscreen is to prevent it from forming in the first place. You can do this by laying a blanket, towel, or thick sheet of cardboard across your windscreen every evening. Soaking the towel in a water and salt solution can make it even more effective.
To sum up, defrosting your windscreen doesn’t have to be a hassle. Use your car’s heating system and air-con, pour warm water, use de-icer spray and prevention methods. Using this advice will defrost your windscreen quickly and safely.
Final tip: Remember, never use anything other than a car-specific scraper as credit cards or sharp objects can scratch your screen.
A young apprentice, originally from Iraq, has been confirmed as the Preston College Apprentice of the Year.
Didar is in his second year of the automotive technologies course whilst working for Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston. Didar came to the UK from Iraq six years ago. Unable to speak any English, he enrolled onto the Preston College ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ course.
Working from Entry 2 to Entry 3, he then enrolled onto the Level 1 Automotive programme. He started his Level 3 apprenticeship with Bowker Ribble Valley earlier this year. Didar will continue his studies at Preston College for another year. Away from work, Didar is a keen footballer and supports Manchester City.
Preston College Apprentice of the Year, Didar Hussain, said: “I was very surprised and proud to win the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award. When I enrolled at Preston college I could barely say ‘hi’ and ‘bye’. But everything has taken off since then. I chose automotive technology because I hoped it would offer me important transferable skills.
“I am studying a practical course. The support I enjoy at Preston college helps. But it makes a big difference when you combine it with the first-hand experience at Bowker. It is a great way to develop my learning by watching and speaking to colleagues too.”
Earlier this year Bowker Motor Group entered into a long-term partnership with Lancashire further education provider, Preston College. The new automotive technologies partnership will help apprentices learn a breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours in their specific area.
The partnership with Bowker Motor Group has already led to apprenticeship opportunities within customer service and various automotive pathways within their prestigious dealerships.
For Bowker, Richard Rawlings said: “Congratulations to Didar. Bowker Motor Group have dedicated their time to involve learners in valuable work placement opportunities, with the potential to move to an apprenticeship programme.
“The development of our partnership enables learners to capture and experience industry, combined with underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours. Students are getting a fantastic opportunity to learn bespoke engines to help with their understanding of the automotive industry. Didar is a great example of the difference our partnership can make.”
Mark Taylor, Head of School for Engineering and Automotive Technologies says: “We could not be prouder of Didar. What this young man has achieved in just 6 years is remarkable and truly inspirational.
“The relationship with Bowker ensures we are able to give young learners like Didar a real opportunity to learn the technical skills in the automotive industry. The skills he’ll learn alongside Preston College’s industry-experienced staff and the professional technician team at Bowker, will set strong foundations for a fulfilling and successful career. A huge well done from all of us at Preston College.”
Preston College is currently the largest apprenticeship provider in its local area.
Bowker Motor Group’s automotive retail franchise portfolio includes BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad and Porsche, with centres in Preston and Blackburn. The group also operates Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston.
The agreement will see Bowker operate in partnership with INEOS from the automotive retailer’s existing Bowker Ribble Valley dealership on the A59 in Osbaldeston near Blackburn. It is one of 24 UK sites that are among the first 160 locations to be confirmed in markets around the world.
New signage has already been installed and the Bowker Ribble Valley dealership will offer a full INEOS aftersales facility to complement their partner status. The Bowker partnership with INEOS Automotive will be overseen by managing director Chris Eccles, supported by the existing Bowker Ribble Valley team.
Bowker Motor Group already operates seven prestige car and motorcycle dealerships in Blackburn and Preston.
Paul Bowker, Bowker Motor Group chief executive, said: “It is a huge privilege to be chosen by INEOS to be their nominated partner in Lancashire. We have already established award-winning motor retail experiences in Preston and Blackburn with some of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands. The partnership with INEOS is the next exciting chapter for us.
“INEOS brings a fresh perspective to 4X4 development and manufacturing. The Grenadier combines rugged British spirit with German engineering rigour; a truly uncompromising 4X4 built from the ground up. We look forward to building another successful partnership worthy of the Lancashire motoring community.”
INEOS will work with Bowker to establish the new partnership. The process includes an intensive INEOS training programme for sales executives and workshop technicians – beginning in May.
“We have worked tirelessly for over a year to find retail partners that share our enthusiasm and excitement for the Grenadier,” said Jack Stanley, regional business manager UK and Ireland for INEOS Automotive. “We have so far established a global network of over 160 partners who understand 4X4 users and their requirements, and have a proven track record for exceptional customer service. We are working with these partners to ensure they are ready to offer Grenadier customers and owners the advice, guidance and support they need.”
By the end of 2022, INEOS plans to have a network of 200 sales and service sites for the Grenadier in over 50 countries, including established dealer groups, 4X4 specialists and agricultural equipment dealers. The aim is for the majority of customers in the UK to always be within 45 minutes of an official sales and service location.
For full information on pricing, specification and ordering process is available from ineosgrenadier.com.
To make an enquiry or request a call back, please contact us using the form below.
This Easter weekend, all Bowker Motor Group Centres are open for Sales and Aftersales, view our opening hours below.
Opening hours for over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
sales opening hours
Service and Parts opening hours
To make an enquiry or request a call back, please Click Here to contact us.
Michael Smallbone from Live Ribble Valley Magazine visits one of the region’s most prestigious car showrooms, where he spots a magnificent ultra-rare Lotus Exige.
With blossom on the trees, the days lasting longer and spring lambs in the fields our minds begin to fill with thoughts of the approaching summer time. Here in the Ribble Valley we are able to see the signs of summer everywhere and what better way to enjoy them from the exciting driving seat of a sports car?
The now well established Bowker Ribble Valley dealership on the A59 at Osbaldeston offers a wide selection of vehicles from a range of prestigious manufacturers such as Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes, Lotus and Aston Martin. Plus, the recent addition of the Maserati dealership that operates in perfect harmony at the same premises. Each car that Bowker Ribble Valley supply is more than likely to be something you don’t see every day, for instance when I was there I got the opportunity to see a magnificent, ultra-rare Lotus Exige in the showroom.
For extra peace of mind when you buy a car from Bowker Ribble Valley it will come with a comprehensive 12 month warranty through Warranty Wise – who have recently spent two days at the Osbaldeston showroom filming their latest national television commercial with Quentin Wilson.
As part of the larger Bowker Motor Group, Bowker Ribble Valley since its launch in October 2012, has built on the already high standard of customer care that has become synonymous with the Bowker name. A relaxed and enjoyable experience with a no pressure attitude will greet you when you arrive at their dealership allowing you to browse the various models for as long as you want – but remember a member of the team will not be too far away to answer any questions or to arrange a test drive. The expanding work force all have at least one thing in common – a passion for all things motoring whether it be on two or four wheels meaning they are more than happy to talk to any fellow ‘petrol head’ both male and female! Jim Gregory, sales manager at Bowker Ribble Valley, explained that they have established relationships with customers, who have now become friends and there are various people who have bought as many as three consecutive cars from them.
In many respects buying a car is the easy part but for many the wide choice of servicing options can be quite daunting. However, Bowker Ribble Valley can take care of all aspects of vehicle maintenance and enhancements. The services they offer include valeting using AutoGlymproducts, servicing of all makes and models without compromising the manufacturer’s warranty, plus tyre fitting – all of which is carried out by factory trained qualified technicians with many years of experience.
Moving away from the stereotypical traditional used car dealership, Bowker Ribble Valley has created something unique. Visitors can browse and purchase some of the most interesting and desirable cars available today from a member of the family-owned Bowker Motor Group, but without the, sometimes overwhelming, franchised dealer experience. Put a smile on your face ready for summer with a car from Bowker Ribble Valley – it could be a sports car, a convertible, a luxurious four wheel drive or how about one of each?
Bowker Ribble Valley Servicing
Free local collection and delivery service
Complimentary valet and health check with every service
Free courtesy cars available
Spring Check including air conditioning refresh £35
All makes and model servicing from £85
Lease car drivers catered for
Vehicle upgrades including wheels, body-styling and interior
Tyres at very competitive prices.
For information on servicing, please call 01254 769 069 or write to our dedicated service e-mail, service@bowkerribblevalley.co.uk