Motoring
Sinclair Group
Following its 70th anniversary last year, the celebrations have been continuing for the Sinclair Group. South Wales’ largest motor group, which boasts Audi, Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Skoda, smart, Volkswagen Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles outlets in Swansea, has driven off with a trio of prestigious awards. Recognising the family values that have been at the heart of the business since it began in 1945, the Sinclair Group was named Family Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business Awards. However its longevity was certainly not the only reason that the company was chosen as winners. Its strong brand presence across the region, continued growth and support for local charities and the communities surrounding its dealerships were also factors in the judges’ decision. Mercedes-Benz of Swansea and its sister sites in Cardiff, Bridgend and Neyland were described as “outstanding” as the Sinclair Group was hailed as the UK’s best by the manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz UK described the performance of the Sinclair Group’s retailers in Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea and Neyland during 2015 as “outstanding”. Representatives from the group’s management team were presented with the
Mercedes-Benz Retailer of the Year trophy at an awards ceremony in London, where they were praised for their all-embracing approach that ensures every area of the business received the same highly focused attention and clear direction. “We tried to think of the one thing that Sinclair Group does that others don’t, but it’s not one thing, it’s everything,” explained Gary Savage, CEO MercedesBenz UK. “They’ve achieved what they have by hard work and dedication across the company and every employee plays their part in delivering a positive, efficient and friendly service.” Looking after the requirements of more than 50,000 motorists across South Wales means that providing exceptional customer service and having the people and processes in place to deliver it is of paramount importance to the Sinclair Group. This was acknowledged by its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) team being honoured in the annual Welsh Contact Centre Awards, where the 20 -strong department won Small Contact Centre of the Year. Lucinda Butler, Members & Events Manager for the awards body, said: “The Sinclair Group clearly demonstrated their recruitment strategies, their commitment to training and developing their people, and also proved how their contact centre contributes to their wider business.
Retailer of the year evening award (left to right) – Myleene Klass, Andrew Edwards – general manager Bridgend, Jeremy Phillips – Sinclair Mercedes-Benz head of franchise, Andrew Pacitti – general manager Swansea, Dean Adams Sinclair group marketing manager, Nick Payne – general manager Cardiff, Andrew Sinclair – director,
Untitled-4.indd 1
Andrew Sinclair
“The judges were very impressed with how Sinclair Group explained their delivery of a world class customer service, achieved by combining what’s right for the customer with what works best for the business,” she added. “All of these qualities combined showed that Sinclair Group was both an effective, efficient business and a fantastic place to work.” Following the company’s 70th anniversary celebrations last year, Director Andy Sinclair, whose grandfather Bill founded the business, was delighted that the group and his colleagues received such plaudits in the wake of such a landmark year. “To achieve recognition from the business community of Swansea that we are so proud to be part of, one of the prestige automotive brands that we represent and our peers is a fantastic achievement and one that can be shared by everyone across the company,” he said. “We are fortunate to have a very loyal following amongst our customers throughout South Wales and fantastic model ranges to showcase. But we also have teams at all of our locations who are committed to providing an outstanding retail experience and this award is testimony to their contributions and hard work, which remain vital to our future success.”
Swansea Bay Business Awards left to right - Jonathan Davies, Clive Williams group vehicle disposal manager, Gareth Lloyd Volkswagen sales manager, Ashley Fellows brand manager, Michael Allison aftersales manager, Rebecca Davies Editor of the Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.
3/29/2016 4:21:23 PM