Vehicle retailer Vertu Motors is creating 50 new jobs at its North East head office on the back of its latest senior appointment.
The Team Valley firm, which has 154 sales outlets across the 海角视频, has appointed Steve Rowe as group sales director, four years after he first joined the company as finance and insurance director.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the motor retail sector, Mr Rowe’s promotion sees him take responsibility for revamping the car buying process to make it more customer-centric, flexible and friendly.
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Following the announcement, Vertu – which trades under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu and Macklin Motors brand names – said it was expanding its support teams and creating up to 50 new jobs at the Gateshead head office.
Mr Rowe said: “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.”
The new jobs include a centralised retention and prospecting team, focusing on looking after the current customer base, while 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.
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Mr Rowe 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.
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“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, added: “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.”
Last month Vertu Motors upped its profit forecast on the back of strong trading, saying it now anticipates group’s adjusted half year pre-tax profits to be between £40 million and £45 million – significantly up on previous estimates of £28 million to £32 million.