Three motor specialists from a Stowmarket business are on the verge of stardom after winning a regional heat in a national competition.
The trio were part of the ‘Barny Army’ team from Barnards Volkswagen on Station Road West, which was crowned the most knowledgeable aftersales’ experts across the eastern region of Volkswagen passenger car network of over 40 retailers.
During the competition the team needed call on all of its experience and knowledge of all aspects of Volkswagen aftersales practices to be crowned champions.
Following the regional competition master technician, Julian Durrant, sales executive, Craig Daniels, and senior service advisor, Alan Freeman, were praised for their outstanding performance and will now go on to battle it out in the national finals as Julian, who joined Barnards in 1997, explains.
He said: “The heat was a great experience but I mainly relied on the experience I have accumulated over my years at Barnards.
“Some of the questions were complicated and it was certainly tough, but the team rose to the challenge.”
Team-mate Craig, 22, added: “The questions tested my product knowledge, and in sales it’s vital that this is up to speed. I enjoy keeping up to date with the latest car developments because that really helps me in my role.
“I have been with the company for eight years now and one of my roles was updating the website, which was a really good way of building up product knowledge.”
Alan was able to call on his 30 years of experience in the motor trade to earn a place in the final. He said: “There were a lot of questions to answer in a relatively short period of time and I had to draw on my knowledge of the industry.
“I think it’s great that that this competition recognises the importance of all job roles within the organisation.”
Julian, Craig and Alan will now complete in the national final on 27 November taking place at the Volkswagen National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes.
The ‘Barny Army’ team also included Adam Brown, parts specialist. Gary Halestrap, brand manager and Gerald Bradley, Volkswagen’s area manager.