Congratulations to Graham Tuthill, Technician at Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury, for passing his Mercedes-Benz Expert in High Voltage Course.

What a huge achievement passing this very challenging and technical course, and as it stands to date, Graham is the only person to have passed the course in the country!

The Future Leaders Programme is a 10-week programme, designed to enhance existing skills, knowledge and behaviours to unlock leadership potential.

Louise Gale - Group Marketing Manager, Sam Porter - Assistant Service Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke and Andreea Trifa - CRC Team Leader, all completed and passed their Future Leaders programme in December 2022.

The programme consisted of weekly classrooms, progress calls with your own coach and line manager, as well as assessments such as an emotional intelligent assessment & business presentation at the end of the programme.

Louise Gale

1. How did you find the programme and what have you taken away from it?
I felt the programme helped me immensely and enabled me to take my role as Assistant Group Marketing Manager to the next level. Shortly after I completed the programme I had ‘Assistant’ removed from my job title which had been a goal of mine since joining Sandown 10 months ago. I learnt so much during the 10-week course that I have been able to put into practice immediately and that I am sure I will still be referring to and using in years to come.

Sam Porter

1. What was the main thing you learn from the course?
I have always cared deeply about finding the most efficient and least disruptive way to help, and love getting the best result possible for our customers and colleagues. However a key skill I have learnt from the programme would be how to improve my listening and empathy skills.

2. What was your favourite part of the programme?
My favourite part of the course was collaborating with all different people and all departments from around the Mercedes-Benz network. From chatting freely in the forums and breakout sessions, you learn a different way to approach something you hadn't thought of before.

Andreea Trifa

1. What was the most challenging part of the course?
Although I enjoyed the course, it has been challenging to try and be more self-aware, accept my strengths and work on improving my weaknesses in order to reach a fine balance. Week on week we learnt something new that we could put into practise, and feedback the outcome at our next session.

2. How will you use what you learnt in the programme in your career?
It has been a fantastic experience and we had great trainers. Going through the training not only gave me more confidence to recognise the strengths that I already have, but also gave my guidance on how I can develop as a leader. We learnt lots of useful techniques, however listening and mentoring are two key words that have stuck with me and left a great impact for my future career.

I joined in June 1997 as a technician having completed a Vauxhall apprenticeship. Covered roadside assistance out-of-hours as part of the role and gained MB Guild accreditation as a Technician. Moved to a Basingstoke Workshop control position in 2000. Spent some time in 2003 helping with the development of Hindhead and spent 6 months in Workshop control in Guildford at the old site. Moved to the position of Service Manager for Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke in 2004, who also won Aftersales Team of the Year that year. Moved to the position of Guildford Service Manager in 2007 which involved in the build and relocation of the dealership to Slyfield and remained there as Service Manager until October 2014 when I moved into the Head of Aftersales position.

It’s great to work for a privately owned business that allows us to change and develop at pace as needed. I love the brand and its outstanding pace of development, enjoy how every day is different and love the people in the business.

I joined Sandown in October 2004.

I was working in the IT industry at the time and wanted a change. I decided to become an accountant and joined as an assistant accountant with accountancy training as part of my package.

I joined the new BMW aftersales department and worked there for a few years reporting to the FD. I got promoted to look after Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in 2006/7 then promoted again in 2009 to manage the Guildford site.

It was also around this time that I completed all my exams and could call myself a Chartered Accountant. The company paid for all this and supported me completely in my training and growth within the business.

I now run Basingstoke and Hindhead accounts as well as having a hand in supporting all aspects of the finances for Sandown.

I like working for Sandown as it is a family run company with a "door is always open for a chat" approach to management. I work in a great team of like-minded people within the accounts arm of the business and work well with the managers I am here to support at the sites I am the accountant for. There is a good level of mutual respect and I know I make a difference on a day to day basis.

Richard started working in the automotive industry in 1998 with a week’s work experience through his school. At the end of that week Richard ask for a Saturday job cleaning the workshop which he completed until he left school. He then joined full-time as an apprentice technician in September 2000. The company then was known as William Jacks.

His apprenticeship lasted 3 years and after that he became a qualified technician, later moving up to a Systems Technician. At the age of 26 he became a Diagnostic Technician and continues in this role today, 10 years later.

Jason started in the automotive trade as an apprentice at Mercedes-Benz of Newbury. He successfully completed his training then progressing onto a maintenance technician. At that time he decided he wanted to progress his career as a technician and asked to be placed onto any available training that he could undertake on behalf of the company. This then saw Jason progress through to Systems Technician.

His interest in technology has not stopped and with the ever developing Hybrid and EV range he continues to still learn today. He became one of the youngest Diagnostic technicians in the Mercedes-Benz UK network and has continued at this level for 6 years.

He loves the brand and all that it has to offer and is looking forward to this next period of mobility innovation within the automotive sector.

It is with great pleasure to announce that Hana Baldwin from Mercedes-Benz of Epsom has been awarded Non-Technical Light Vehicle Apprentice of the Year!

Hana has worked at Mercedes-Benz of Epsom since July 2019, and has been an integral part of Sandown. She was one of five apprentices from around the country to have been recognised for their progress to date on the Mercedes-Benz Apprenticeship Programme, where their grades, performance and engagement were all taken into consideration. Their prize is a week of work experience at the headquarters of Mercedes-AMG Petronas in Brackley as the F1 team prepares the cars of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for the Silverstone race.

James Jackson, Mercedes-Benz of Epsom’s Aftersales Manager, was full of praise for Hana and her achievement. “Hana is an integral part of #TeamEpsom and her attitude and work ethic are highly regarded by her peers and colleagues,” he added. “She has many years of growth and accomplishment ahead of her as part of the Sandown Epsom team.”

Harry has been with Sandown for just under a year as a Star Expert at Mercedes-Benz of Guildford, and has recently been promoted to Sales Executive!

What are you looking forward to in your new role?

I have always been very passionate about cars and the Mercedes-Benz product, the promotion allows me to build upon my product knowledge from the star expert position and apply it to the sales process. I am excited for the greater level of responsibility the sales potion provides, dealing with customers from start to finish, proving the full Sandown experience!

When did you start working for Sandown? I started 6th July 2015.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I started as a Star Expert for 18 months at Basingstoke and then promoted to Sales Executive at Basingstoke for 5 ½ years and was promoted a month ago to Transaction manager at Newbury.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? I saw a job advert for Mercedes-Benz and thought it would be a nice change to work for a luxury brand.

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? The people I have met, both staff and customers. Also the amazing events and training I have gone to.

What does an average day look like for you? I start by clearing my emails! My new role means I work with the Sales executives in the team to achieve results, and end my day completing spreadsheets to record the deals! I enjoy having a laugh and a joke along the way …and some people might say I am quite loud! Occasionally I get lunch …but the job change has been great for the waistline!

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? The best advice I ever got when selling was… “there will be highs and there will be lows, however you need to learn to ride that straight line” Sales is a pressurised environment and when it is going well you have a buzz, but when it is quiet and you haven’t sold it can show, so being able to maintain your emotions in the centre of the peaks and troughs you will be able to focus and achieve your goals.

When did you start working for Sandown? I started working for Sandown in 2015 after working in the events industry for 4 years.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I began my career in the smart department, this was a great step into the motor industry as I had no previous experience. As the department was small it meant I could learn about the brand and process at a steady pace. I then mastered the Sales process moved over to Mercedes for 5 years and recently progressed to Transactions Manager.

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? Great company culture, amazing team spirit and of course our recent retailer of the year award.

What does an average day look like for you?

• An average day consists of 3 coffees, meeting customers, producing quotes, and closing business with the team.
• Mostly ensuring that our team are positive, organised and prepared, and maintaining a high level of customer service at all times.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field?

• Be confident, yet humble and embrace that you may have failures along the way.
• View every customer you meet as an opportunity.
• Venture outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to speak to customers.
• Express yourself clearly, whether it’s negotiating a deal with a customer or trying to progress being timid or hesitant is unlikely to get you what you want.

And lastly if you need help along the way don’t be scared to ask for it!

When did you start working for Sandown? Originally joined in 2006 and left in 2012 moved to Scotland, re-joined in 2014.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown?

• I started as a Service Team Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Poole from 2006-2012.
• Aftersales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester from 2014-2022
• I am now the Aftersales Manager at the Van Centre, from March 2022 to present.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? I have always had an interest in cars and anything mechanical!

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? The opportunities I have been given since re-joining Sandown in 2014 to allow me to progress with my career, sometimes I have to pinch myself that I am Aftersales Manager with such a fantastic brand and company.

What does an average day look like for you? Like any job you come to work with a plan which more often than not changes as soon as you open your laptop! Generally I see myself here as someone my staff can come to for direction and straight answers, obviously there is a lot more to my role but if I can make my staffs day easier I get a great deal of satisfaction.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? Gain as much knowledge in as many aspects as you can so ultimately you have the skills to manage a department and get results, show commitment, willingness and be conscientious, care about what people think of you, it will be noticed!

When did you start working for Sandown? I started working at Sandown in September 2014.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I started as a Transaction Manager, I then progressed as a Business Manager, and now I am the Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Poole.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? Before joining the motor industry at 20 years old, I was selling Weddings, Conferencing and Events. I always had a huge passion for cars and wanted to get involved in the Motor Industry.

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? The team, The people, The environment and the sheer excitement of customers coming in and having a fantastic experience buying the best brand on the market.

What does an average day look like for you? I come in 30 Minutes early and go straight for my one of MANY coffees !! I prep our morning meeting, present to the team good practices & keep them up to date on our business. I meet many customers during the day to welcome and thank them for their business and ensure our standard of service is exceptional at all times. I oversee our Four Transaction Managers, our Sales executives and our team at Mercedes-Benz of Poole. I also make sure to keep in touch with our enquiry management process. I reconcile our accounts, look into our used car preparation, spot check our appraisals. Conduct our staff reviews and many many more daily tasks!

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? Be Positive, Excited, Ambitious and love what you do. Love and enjoy the people and providing a fantastic service to each and every customer who walks in through our doors. We are lucky to be able to come to this environment on a daily basis and enjoy the excitement of the customers luxury experience.

When did you start working for Sandown? I joined Sandown Group in January 2016.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I started as a Customer Service Advisor in our Contact Centre, and then promoted as a Team Leader for our CRC Service Team in February 2021.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? I have always been passionate about cars and new technology. Coming from previous Customer Service and IT background roles, it was the perfect opportunity for me to explore.

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? It is a great company to work for, with friendly, professional colleagues and great benefits, training and development opportunities.

What does an average day look like for you? One of my favourite parts of my job is that there are no similar or typical days. I like to start my day by coming in early so I can say “Hello” to everybody and prepare a plan of action for the day ahead, which can normally change very quickly. Then, I usually catch up with any emails and messages from the day before, whilst enjoying my second cup of coffee. Once the “admin work” is cleared, I always ensure I am available to support and help my team, and our colleagues from other departments with any queries. There are many more tasks I go through each day, I like to call them the “Perks” that come with the role.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? Always be positive, reliable, consistent, innovative and be ready to embrace changes in a very fast changing business environment. Love your job and endeavour to deliver the best customer service to all our customers by going above and beyond, along with helping out your fellow peers.

When did you start working for Sandown? I joined the group on the 1st July 2014.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I joined as the Group Used Car Manager, and in 2020 was Promoted to the Head of Sales responsible for used cars and sales Performance.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? I took a gap year before starting at university, started selling cars and never looked back!

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? We’re a private business with PLC like processes, I love the fact that I can be given an idea from one of our team on a Monday, within days it can be live.

What does an average day look like for you? One of my favourite things is there is no average, Monday - Thursday my focus is growing the business and looking to enhance profitability and performance. Fridays are all about trade performance, I sell our part exchanges in auction; I love that if I maximise returns, the number of cars sold and CAP performance (how well the car performs in the trade) this is passed to our customers as we’re able to offer better and more accurate values.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? The motor trade industry is tough but is such a great place to be! Work hard, have fun, set goals, smash them. The motor industry is one of the only places where the ceiling is set by you.

When did you start working for Sandown? I joined Sandown Mercedes Benz in August 2017.

What has been your career path so far within Sandown? I started as an agent in 2017 and in 2018 I became a Senior Agent. I was then promoted as Team Leader for the sales team in our Contact Centre in February 2021.

Why did you start working in the motor industry? I wanted a change and I believe the motor industry offers plenty of career opportunities. It is nice to be able to work for a premium brand.

What is your favourite thing about working for Sandown? Sandown is a great company to work for and I have met some amazing people. I like the open-door policy where we can share our ideas. Last but not least, all the training and support that was offered throughout the years. I am currently enrolled in the Leadership Programme with Mercedes Benz.

What does an average day look like for you? I normally come in earlier and start with a nice strong coffee. I go through the emails and complete the daily reports. Depending on the day and how busy we might get, I would ensure that every team member is dealing with the incoming enquiries as per our process and offer the best customer service to our customers at all times.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in your field? Be positive and provide a fantastic service to all our customers. Don't be afraid to ask if you do not know the answer. Keep motivated as every day can be different and have its challenges, but we are a team and there is always someone here to help.