Vertu Motors

Vertu Motors plc has appointed Steve Rowe as Group Sales Director. Steve first joined the company as Finance and Insurance Director back in July 2017.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the motor retail sector, Steve’s promotion will see him take responsibility for revamping the car buying process to make it more customer centric, flexible and friendly.

Steve explained: “As a Group, we have to ensure that we cater for all customers and that we have excellent customer satisfaction and feedback. We also have to ensure we maintain and improve upon our high standards, accommodating all customers who are using different ways to purchase vehicles. We must be equipped to satisfy this.

“My goal is to make the buying process, whether in a dealership or online, or a mix of both, as enjoyable and comfortable for the customer as possible.”

Vertu Motors plc is expanding its support teams and creating up to 50 new jobs at its Gateshead head office. These include a centralised retention and prospecting team, focusing on looking after the current customer base, whilst also launching a concierge service that will offer customers their own specialist partner to guide them through the online buying process, including finance and part-exchange options.

Steve added: “Both of these departments are critical in supporting the dealer network and our customers. Looking after our customer base is my number one priority and delivering the highest level of service to these customers is vital.

“We will also launch a concierge service, which will work with the customer through the whole process, giving them a named person to support their journey. Sales success and customer satisfaction go hand in hand, and offering a car buying experience that fits with customers’ needs is essential in a competitive market.”

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “Steve is the ideal person to take on this new role. His years of experience, forward-thinking and customer focus will be invaluable as we revamp the car buying experience and continue to lead the field in innovation and customer service.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 154 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 150 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 116 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – www.investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.macklinmotors.co.uk