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February 2012
January 2012
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| 08 Feb 2012 |
 BENTLEYS SUPPORT BIRCHWOOD’S KENYA EXPEDITION
We are delighted to gratefully accept Bentleys sponsorship of Birchwood's first Volunteer Expedition to Kenya. As our team continues to fundraise, Bentleys support has boosted their confidence and rewarded the volunteers’ commitment and team-work as they approach ever closer to their departure date in July.
As a school we are passionate about the involvement of local businesses in school life to support and enhance the entrepreneurial and employability skills of learners. Bentleys support for our first volunteer expedition underlines our belief that such experiences can be not only horizon-broadening but also potentially life-transforming for young people. In helping make a difference to the lives of others less fortunate, they will develop life skills which will help them get the best out of themselves and become more competitive when embarking upon their chosen careers.
In challenging economic times, we are pleased that Bentleys has recognised the value of the project and we look forward to further collaboration with Bentleys and the wider Warrington business community in the future.
 ANNE BRIGHT - HEADTEACHER BIRCHWOOD COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL |
| 02 Feb 2012 |
MOT News ...
In an unexpected statement from the Department for Transport, the government have conceded that the current frequency of MOT testing is appropriate to the UK's needs and will be retained.
The statement, issued by Transport Minister Justine Greening said: "Having listened closely to the very many views put forward and considered the available evidence, I have decided that I am not going to carry out further work in relation to relaxing the first test date or the frequency of testing."
However, the MOT review will still go ahead. Ms Greening added that data from the DfT's executive agency VOSA suggested that because large parts of the MOT are 'subjective', some 12% of testers 'had their overall assessment of the vehicle's roadworthiness challenged by VOSA'. This lead the Minister to announce a raft of new consumer measures which are to include some form of 'customer charter' for motorists when they visit garages.
While the suggestion of frequency change has been scrapped, it is still the government's intention to conduct a full review of the MOT scheme.
Key to the reversal of frequency change was the wealth of data and opinion given by various trade and road safety bodies. This was supported by environmental, and consumer groups as well as members of the general public.
Another example of making a statement and then retracting... something Government bodies seem very well practised in! Will keep you up to date with this ongoing saga... Tony Murray |
| 09 Dec 2011 |
The Heart Project Work Experience Programme
Our first candidate, Mathew Alsop has just completed his two week placement and what a success it has been. We paired him up with our own Matthew in the Toyota Parts Department and the two worked very well together. He then moved onto other departments and thoroughly enjoyed his time with us, even suggesting that he would stay on for free. Such enthusiasm really does need rewarding and it is enlightening to know that there are young people who obviously have the drive and ability but not the opportunity. If anyone has a role that Mathew could fill, please let me know. Gary Williams |
| 28 Nov 2011 |
SANTA DASH
On Sunday my wife, Vanessa and I took part in one of the country wide Santa dashes. Ours was in Manchester, all funds raised where in aid of Mencap and we raised about £130.00 between us.
The weather calmed down from the mad winds of the previous night. I did my bit there also as a large tree came down just by our house and blocked the road. I got out of bed and dragged it clear.... careful consideration was taken in case the others followed suit!
Back to the dash... about 200 people on the day turned up, the atmosphere was full of Christmas cheer. Once we had all warmed up to some festive music we made our way down to the start line. Vanessa and I are a little bit competitive so we casually snaked to the front so we had the best of a good start.
The local press had cameras and news crews all over the place. One chap stood right in front of the start line to get a good picture - unfortunately he was not that quick on his feet once we started. The crowd of Santa's swamped him almost immediately. Hope it was worth his sacrifice!
The Dash went well although my sprits took a dip when a whippet of a chap passed me at speed pushing a three wheeled push chair. At the end we received a medal, banana, hot soup and a bag of goodies - well worth it. We are already looking forward to taking our two girls on the Dash next year; ages 5 and 9 so that should be fun.
We received also a donation of £20.00 from The Heart Project and sponsors from the BRTC at Altar and the staff at Bentleys Motor Group so our thanks to them also.
Gary Williams |
| 24 Oct 2011 |
MOT changes - Testing times...
There has been much talk of late regarding the changes proposed to the MOT. There is speculation that to bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe, MOT testing may start when a car is 4 years old and retesting done at 2 year intervals after that (at present it needs to be tested at 3 years old and then every year thereafter).
In addition to components covered by the existing MOT, there will be some extra items which potentially could add hefty repair bills for motorists. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems as well as electric seat adjustment motors and factory fitted pressure monitoring systems will need to be in working order or the motorist could be faced with a bill of up to £2000 for repairs to ESC systems.
The MOT test itself will take longer and it will be inevitable that the fee will increase, perhaps not next year but not before too long.
We'll keep you posted on the final European directive outcome ... Tony Murray |
| 13 Oct 2011 |
BRAND NEW
Well we've finally managed to move away from the name Benbar and rebranded the group with the collective name of Bentleys. Although Bentleys applies to our Toyota dealership, it is now going to be synonymous with our Citroen franchise, our Bodycare Centre and our all makes used car business, Autoquest. It's been good to see how our staff have embraced the rebranding and have recognised the potential in marketing one name as opposed to many - as there have been occasions over the years that customers were not aware that we were all linked to the same group!
The strapline "Driven by excellence, powered by people" effectively sums up the group and its positioning. We've been going nearly 30 years and it is largely thanks to the dedication and efforts of people who have worked for us in the past and those that are with us today.
Many of our customers have become friends and their support and loyalty have brought us to this place - poised now to develop greater levels of communication with our community and continue to be the best at what we do - all the time!
Your comments, suggestions, kudos and even brickbats are always welcome! Steve Langley |
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