27/02/08

COLIN APPLEYARD WINS AM-MAGAZINE AWARD

Taken from the March issue of AM Magazine:

Coming in to the final quarter of last year, Colin Appleyard's Huddersfield site was slightly behind budget. Then with an inspiring push from Robin Luscombe, the sales team turned it around and returned a budget-busting performance for the Suzuki dealership.

This is a testament to the company's approach, which sees the tam working together in a friendly and family-like atmosphere to achieve what is needed for success.

Staff turnover is less than 10% and customer satisfaction is high - this is reflected in its Investor In People accreditation as well as a partnership with Trading Standards.

The Huddersfield dealership has been the top performing Suzuki outlet on new car sales for the past five years, selling more thean 500 units per year. As a result, it regularly achieve Suzuki incentives and is currently exceeding new car targets by over 200%.

AM Auditor Carter & Carter says: "The customers love the company and the product, the staff belong to a 'family' and the result is a stable, profitable and very sustainable business."

Innovation used throughout the four sites include the targeted marketing of parts as they become 12 month old on the internet, resulting in low obsolescence and high stock turn.

Maximum exposure of the Suzuki product is also achieved through the website.

Internet-specific staff have dramatically increased sales while raising the company profile, increasing website traffic, and maximising the use of eBay, AutoTrader, internet brokers and email marketing. More recently, the website has featured video brochures to show off new vehicles to the best advantage.

Staff development is based around training, involvement and inclusion. Traditional appraisals have been axed and repalced by performance reviews which deal with good and poor performance as well as providing one-to-one training.

Customer sales remain the number one priority for Colin Appleyard Huddersfield. its continued success is no doubt a result of strong team members and high levels of customer care, making the site a leading example and a more than worthy winner of this AM Award.

Judges' comment: "Management with natural coaching and leadership skills has produced a friendly company that customers love. Motivation of a very stable cohort of staff has in the last year driven early underperforming sales to exceed the end-of-year target".

Colin Appleyard also received high commendation for the Retail Group up to 10 sites Award.

8/11/07

COLIN APPLEYARD APPRENTICE GRADUATES

Steven Harrison, who has worked for Colin Appleyard Motorcycles, Leeds since leaving school four years ago has successfully completed his NVQ Level 3 City & Guilds Motorcycle Apprenticeship and was last month presented with his graduation certificates by Kevin Feeny General Manager of the Roseville Road based multi franchise dealership.

Progress during the three year programme was regularly monitored and reviewed with his qualification being gained through a process of continuous assessment at regular week long residential training courses held in London.

Commenting on Steven's achievement Colin Appleyard's Motorcycle Service Manager Lee Morton said "This is a long and testing course but all credit to him Steve has stuck at it and worked extremely hard. He is now qualified to Maintenance Technician Level. At Colin Appleyard we believe in offering all our staff a structured career path and apprenticeships still play an important role in that structure. Professional after sales service, which includes vehicle maintenance, is a critical part of our customer care".

Outside work local Leeds lad Steven's main hobby is rugby and he regularly turns out for West Leeds Rugby Club.

02/11/07

CREDIT FOR KATIE IN SUZUKI QUALIFICATION

Colin Appleyard Cars Service Adviser Katie Lynch just passed with credit the Suzuki Certificate of Customer Service after a year's hard studying. The Institute of the Motor Industry backed qualification involved a programme of six modules spread over a year and took place at Suzuki's training facilities in Milton Keynes. After every module, each lasting 2 days, Katie had to sit an exam which she passed with flying colours. Katie, who has worked at the Ashton-under-Lyne dealership for nearly three years, was delighted with her achievement.

"It's been hard work but well worth it. I'm finding the knowledge I've gained very useful in my day to day job and it's also given me added confidence when dealing with our customers".

Colin Appleyard Cars Director Robin Luscombe added "Katie has done really well, particularly as she was expecting a baby during part of the course. Customer Service is obviously a vital part of our business and Colin Appleyard has always held great store by staff training to ensure customers receive a first class service. It's one of the reasons many return time and time again!"

Meanwhile Senior Technician Tony Stott, one of only a handful of Suzuki Master Technicians in the country, has come runner up in the prestigious Suzuki Technician of the year competition. His colleague Adam Evans was also runner up in the Suzuki Parts Adviser of the Year. Both contests are extremely competitive as they regularly attract over 400 entrants from Suzuki dealerships all over the Country.

30/10/07

TEAM COLIN APPLEYARD OFF TO SUNNY SPAIN

With the British Superbike and 125cc Championship season over for another year Team Colin Appleyard / Macadam Racing has organised one final outing at the Valencia round of the Spanish Championship on Sunday 18th November.

Making his debut for the team in the 125cc race will be 14 year old Scotsman Deane Brown. Deane has shown great promise throughout his rookie season in the British 125cc Championship and last weekend finished second in the Red Bull Rookie Cup at the Valencia track. The nine round Cup is a Saturday precursor prior to each round of the MotoGP Championship. Team Manager Robin Appleyard is keen to see how he goes. He commented "I've been keeping an eye on Deane all season and been impressed with what I've seen. I now want to take a closer look with a view to signing him up for next year".

Deane's inclusion gives established team member Ashley Beech the opportunity to step up and have a run out in the 600cc class. This will then hopefully lead to him riding in the 2008 British 600cc Championship or the Junior Superstock Championship which is a brand new series for the 2008 season.

Robin Appleyard added "This will be a whole new challenge for Ashley but there's no doubt he has the ability and will step up to the plate".

20/08/07

THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

When Robert Theilman, from Gdansk in Poland, wanted to buy a new Harley Davidson Trike, he didn’t even have to leave his armchair. All he needed to do was to search the Internet. Then it was just a matter of choosing the various extras.

Colin Appleyard emailed him several versions of the trike and he finally chose a Manhattan, fitted with whitewall spoked wheels, Sissy bar, Rear Carrier and several other factory options. The total cost of the trike was £26,500 and the whole deal was conducted via Colin Appleyard’s website and email. After that it only remained for Mr Theilman to fly over from Gdansk to Leeds/Bradford to inspect his new machine. He commented: "I was really impressed with the standard of service offered by Colin Appleyard – they made the whole operation so easy and I loved the beautiful countryside around here so I shall bring my family on holiday to the area."

A delighted Stuart Feeny, Director of Colin Appleyard Motorcycles, added: "This just goes to show the importance of a good website, bringing in business from countries around the world and making it easier for our customers to choose their purchases."

14/08/07

COLIN APPLEYARD STAFF UP FOR TOP PRIZE

Tony Stott, one of only a handful of Master Technicians, is to defend his title of Suzuki 'Technician of the Year' at Colin Appleyard Cars, having once again fought his way through to the national final which will take place at Suzuki’s Milton Keynes Head Office at the end of September.

Last year Tony won a brand new Suzuki Swift worth almost £10,000 and he will be looking to add to his growing fleet at this year's event.

Tony's colleague Adam Evans will also be representing the Ashton-under-Lyne dealership at the finals. He was runner up in the 'Apprentice of the Year' last year so will be looking to go one better this time round. He will be up against fellow apprentice Joshua Chittenden from Keighley. This is the first time Colin Appleyard will have two representatives in the final of a category.

Director Robin Luscombe said: "It is quite an achievement to get three representatives through to the final. Competition is extremely tough as each category regularly attracts over 400 entrants from dealerships all over the country. Good luck to all three."

In order to continue their policy of employing apprentices, Colin Appleyard Cars are currently recruiting a range of trainees for both Sales and After Sales across their sites in Keighley, Bradford, Huddersfield and Manchester.

26/07/07

COLIN APPLEYARD TO OPEN 4TH SUZUKI DEALERSHIP

Work started this month on transforming the current Staveley Garage in Shipley into Colin Appleyard's fourth Suzuki dealership.

Overseeing the whole operation will be General Manager David Hughes. Not only are all the existing staff being retained but Appleyards will be looking to increase their workforce as David Hughes explains: "Earlier in the year we launched a quality used car sales initiative - the 'Colin Appleyard Premier Collection' for which, along with our innovative approach to e-marketing, we have just won the restigious national Motor Trader award. We anticipate this initiative being as successful in Shipley as it has been across the other three branches. We will therefore be looking to recruit an additional sales person."

Staveley Garage is a long established name in the area and whilst the name itself will disappear, a link with the past will remain through sales negotiator Michael Davidson. Michael is the son of Staveley's founder Trevor Davidson whose name, along with others such as Jack Tordoff, is synonymous with car retailing in Yorkshire. In an amazing twist of fate it was Trevor who first encouraged Colin Appleyard to start his own business 37 years ago. Colin left Shipley all those years ago to start his own business in eighley and he is now delighted to be returning to Shipley, where he and his wife brought up their family.

Colin Appleyard Cars Director Robin Luscombe said: "We are delighted to have secured such a prominent site. This is Suzuki's first ever dealership in the district and being close to other main dealers will give us the opportunity to demonstrate to the car buying public in the area what great value for money the Suzuki range of cars and 4 x 4 represents."

Once the refurbishment is completed the company intends to organize an official launch in early September.

11/07/07

COLIN APPLEYARD CARS WINS MOTOR TRADER MARKETING AWARD

Colin Appleyard Cars has won the Marketing Award at the Motor Trade Industry Awards, which were announced at a gala dinner at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London last night.

Robin Luscombe puts the company's success down to two main initiatives instigated in the last year. The introduction of an innovative approach to electronic marketing via the company's website, the use of the eBay shops and email marketing has dramatically increased sales and raised the company profile. In addition the launch of the Colin Appleyard Premier Collection, our fully integrated Used Car Programme, has increased sales of used cars quite considerably.

The awards are widely regarded as the 'Oscars' of the motor industry. Colin Appleyard Cars were also finalists for Dealer Principal (Robin Luscombe) and for Used Car Dealer of the Year.

After receiving the trophy Robin Luscombe said: "We are all absolutely thrilled to receive such a respected award and to be recognised by our fellow motor trade professionals. Having twice been finalists it is particularly rewarding to reach the giddy heights of winning. We pride ourselves on being a family run business offering personal and friendly service. In national terms we are therefore a relatively small company so this is an amazing achievement and down to the commitment of our loyal and hard working staff."

25/06/07

COLIN RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS

Local businessman Colin Appleyard's working life has come full circle with the acquisition by Colin Appleyard Cars of Staveley Garage in Shipley. It was over 56 years ago, on 1st January 1951, that Colin started work at Allan Jefferies Motorcycles in Shipley as a mechanic for just £1 7s 6d per week. When he eventually left in 1970 to set up his own company he had risen to become Sales Director.

Back then Staveley Garage was one of Bradford's leading car dealerships and run by entrepreneur Trevor Davidson. In an amazing twist of fate it was Trevor who encouraged Colin to leave Allan Jefferies and start his own business. "It's like coming home", explained Colin. "My wife Peggy and I lived in Shipley for over 20 years and we raised and educated our children there. A big part of my life belongs to Shipley and I'm very fond of the place."

He added: "As a company Colin Appleyard has come a long way but I still find it amazing things have come full circle and I've been given the opportunity to return to Shipley."

In the next few months Staveley Garage will be transformed into Colin Appleyard's fourth Suzuki franchise operation. The company already has dealerships in Keighley, Huddersfield and Ashton-under-Lyne, as well as two multi-franchise motorcycle dealerships in Keighley and Leeds. The challenge for this latest operation, says Colin, is to develop sales of the Suzuki range of cars, 4x4s and vans in the Bradford area and at the same time grow sales of quality used cars.

It was a cold, snowy March evening in 1979 when Maurice Knight, then Sales Director of Suzuki Cars, officially opened the dealership's Keighley showroom to formalise Colin Appleyard's appointment as Suzuki's very first car franchise in the UK. The initial allocation of eight cars was completely sold out in that first night. From modest beginnings the company has grown to become one of the country's largest and most successful Suzuki dealerships.

In 2004, to celebrate Suzuki's 25th Anniversary, Colin and Peggy were invited to Japan for an all expenses paid tour of the country and Suzuki's state-of-the-art Hamamutsu factory. At a celebration dinner Colin, who is affectionately known by the Japanese directors as 'The Father of the Franchise', sat with Peggy at the top table alongside Mr Ono, son-in-law of the founder Mr Suzuki.

Colin was asked to give a short speech and vote of thanks, part of which he gave in Japanese, much to the delight of his audience.

23/05/07

COLIN APPLEYARD CARS UP FOR THREE 'OSCAR' AWARDS

Colin Appleyard Cars has been chosen as a finalist in three categories at this year's Motor Trade Industry Awards, which will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London in mid July.

The awards are widely regarded as the 'Oscars' of the motor industry and Director Robin Luscombe who himself has been nominated for Dealer Principal of the Year, regards it as a fantastic achievement to reach the final in three different classifications.

He commented, "As well as Dealer Principal we are up for the Marketing award and Used Car Dealer of the Year. In a very competitive marketplace we have significantly improved sales volumes and in particular increased dramatically sales of non Suzuki cars, which must have caught the eye of the judges. Now we're hoping we've impressed them sufficiently to pick up a top prize or two."

Mr Luscombe puts the company's success down to two main initiatives instigated in the last year. The introduction of an innovative approach to electronic marketing via the company's website, the use of the eBay shops and email marketing has dramatically increased sales and raised the company profile. In addition the launch of the Colin Appleyard Premier Collection, a fully integrated Used Car Programme, has increased sales of used cars quite considerably. Now its fingers crossed time!

Colin Appleyard became Suzuki's first car retailer in the UK and now 35 years on, the company is still one of Suzuki's top dealers.

15/05/07

CORONATION STREET STAR BACKS CHARITY CHALLENGE

Long standing Colin Appleyard Motorcycles customers Wayne and Andy Barrett will, this summer, undertake one of the most arduous Charity events ever conceived.

In the middle of July they will set out on The Mongol Rally which involves travelling over 8000 miles from London to Mongolia in an under 1000cc car or motorbike under 125cc. And if that doesn't sound mad enough they hope to do it without any back up team and without satellite navigation equipment. To make the challenge even greater the brothers, from Keighley, have chosen to complete the rally on small Easy Rider Gorilla bikes supplied by long established Keighley bike dealer Colin Appleyard. In addition Easy Rider are supplying a spares kit for each bike.

"Everyone thinks we're completely barmy" said Andy "but Wayne did it last year and found the whole experience very moving and rewarding so this year I've decided to join him."

The brothers are hoping to raise £10,000 for the Christina Noble Childrens Foundation, a charity dedicated to the care of vulnerable children.

Wayne added "When I finished last year I was totally and utterly shattered but to see the plight of the children struggling to survive by living rough on the streets in temperatures that drop to - 30 degrees in winter broke my heart. I vowed there and then to do the rally again and try and make a difference."

When local Coronation Street actor Peter Armitage, who plays Bill Webster and who is also a Colin Appleyard customer, heard of the rally he immediately pledged his support. He has donated Coronation Street memorabilia for auctioning.

Colin Appleyards Motorcycles Director Stuart Feeny commented, "What the lads are doing is absolutely amazing. They have been customers of ours for over 30 years and we are doing everything we can to help and support them. It is such a worthy cause."

The rally, which leaves London on 21st July, crosses five mountain ranges and three deserts and must be completed in under 6 weeks. On reaching Mongolia all the bikes, cars and equipment are auctioned off to raise extra money.

If you would like to sponsor Wayne and Andy you can donate online at: www.justgiving.com/mongolmonkey

16/04/07

COLIN APPLEYARD APPRENTICE SCHEME FLOURISHES

At a time when it is unusual for companies to commit themselves to apprenticeship schemes it is heartening to hear of one local company that positively encourages the practice.

In recent months two more Colin Appleyard apprentices, Daniel Entwistle and Alex Smith, have successfully completed the Suzuki Advanced Apprenticeship Programme, while Adam Evans and Stephen Harrison are expected to graduate this year. Meanwhile, seven others across the company's two motorcycle and three car dealerships have started or are just about to start on either the parts or mechanics schemes.

Managing Director Robin Appleyard said: "The apprenticeship scheme is an integral part of our after sales customer care programme and at the same time helps to provide an important first step on what, we hope, will be a successful career path."

One apprentice mechanic who has taken full advantage of further training is Simon McGann, who graduated in 2006. He has since gone on to achieve Accredited and then Senior Technician status. Besides Tony Stott, a Master Technician at the Ashton-under-Lyne branch, Simon McGann is now Appleyard's most highly qualified technician.

Most recently the company has introduced The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) NVQ in Vehicle Sales into its training programme. This qualification is designed especially for young people looking for a career in car or motorcycle sales.

Mr Appleyard added: "We are always on the look out for bright youngsters who we can mould into the unique Colin Appleyard way of looking after our customers. We will have vacancies for school leavers this Summer on the motorcycle parts and technicians apprenticeship schemes and for A level students looking for a career in vehicle sales who will join our modern sales apprenticeship programme. Not everyone wants to go to university and this is a great way to learn useful skills."

12/04/07

IAN FOLLOWS IN HIS SON'S FOOTSTEPS

When Ian Chittenden started his new job selling cars for Colin Appleyard earlier this month he was certainly keeping it in the family for his son Joshua is an apprentice After Sales Advisor with the Keighley Suzuki dealership.

Josh, who is one of 5 youngsters currently on the Colin Appleyard apprenticeship scheme, says he intends to keep a close eye on his father's progress!

The family connection is not, however, Ian's only tie up with his new company. Ian started his career as an apprentice mechanic at a local Nissan dealer working for Don Sperduto, who now happens to be Service Manager for Colin Appleyards Cars in Keighley.

Director Robin Luscombe commented "You quite often hear of a son following his father into a business but rarely the other way round!"

Ian added "Having sold one Japanese marque for a number of years I'm looking forward to the challenge of selling the full range of Suzuki cars, vans and 4x4s. Working at the same place as Josh is also a bit of a bonus."

6/04/07

GOLDWING DAY A GREAT SUCCESS

Over 400 Honda Goldwing owners attended the Colin Appleyard annual Goldwing Day last Sunday. Enthusiasts from as far afield as Kent, Devon, Cornwall and Scotland enjoyed beautiful Spring weather and raised, through donations, £320 for Manorlands Hospice.

The Goldwing Owners Club Chairman and several committee members also attended and they were joined by one couple who rode all the way from Pleven in Bulgaria especially for the weekend.

28/02/07

COLIN APPLEYARD HELP YOUNG JOSH KEEP HIS FEET OFF THE GROUND

Up and coming Motox rider Josh Snowden has been given a helping hand to keep his feet off the ground by Colin Appleyard, one of the country's leading independent motorcycle dealers.

Josh has just taken delivery of a brand new KTM 85 B/W thanks to a generous subsidy arranged by Kevin Feeny, General Manager of Colin Appleyard, Leeds.

Having achieved considerable success at local club events over the last couple of years and with just one more season left in the 85 Big Wheel class, 15 year-old Josh is now looking to step up and test himself against the best at national level.

Kevin Feeny commented: "Colin Appleyard Motorcycles has always tried to help up and coming young riders. Under the guidance of Robin Appleyard the aim of our Race Team is to develop the talent of young 125cc riders who compete in the British Championship. This applies equally to off road where we are keen to encourage youngsters and help them reach their full potential."

17/01/07

LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER SCOOPS TOP AWARD

When Colin Appleyard Cars General Manager Andy Laycock attended the Annual Suzuki Dealer Conference & Awards Dinner recently little did he know he would be called up on stage as an award winner.

He was surprised and delighted, however, when the Oldham Road dealership was announced as winner of the Suzuki After Sales Dealer of the Year.

On his return to Ashton Andy said "I was completely stunned when the announcement was made. Considering we were competing against all 150 UK Suzuki dealers this is a fantastic achievement."

Andy was presented with a commemorative plaque by Suzuki GB Managing Director Mr Takanori Suzuki.

Appleyard's Director and General Manager Robin Luscombe added "I know it's a bit of a cliché but this really was a team effort involving everyone from service reception through to the parts department and workshop technicians. There's no doubt this award reflect the high level of customer service provided by our Ashton operation, an, also comes hot on the heels of one of Ashton's senior car technicians Tony Stott scooping Suzuki Technician of the Year."