Category: BMW News

A Lancashire motor dealership has renewed its sponsorship of a Preston youth football team’s kit in memory of a dearly missed colleague.

This season, the under-12s team at Springfields FC will wear new shirts, shorts and socks thanks to a renewed sponsorship by Bowker BMW in Preston.

Paul ‘Crowey’ Crowhurst, who passed away in 2021, was a long-serving employee at Bowker BMW and the Chairman of Springfields FC.

Paul had worked at Bowker BMW for over 15 years before his death and was known for his dedication to grassroots football, particularly at Springfields FC.

Jonathan Rogan, Head of Business at Bowker BMW in Preston, said: “Paul is still hugely missed here at Bowker. He was such a passionate member of staff, never more so than when it came to Springfields FC. He was a great coach and selfless Chairman. That’s why we’re proud to continue sponsoring the under-12s team in Paul’s memory. We wish them all the best for the season.”

Springfields’ under-12s play in the Central Lancashire League. Springfields FC is a community club in Preston that offers football coaching starting at age five. Teams compete from under 7s through to adults.

Danielle Gore, Secretary and Treasurer at Springfields FC, said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW for renewing their sponsorship of the under-12s kit. These are young players in the team that Crowey first coached. We’ve created a trophy in his name too.

“We want to always remember how much he gave to the club and continue to inspire more youngsters in his name – just like the hundreds of other players and parents who benefited from his hard work on the committee and as our Chairman.”

Last year, more than 20 Bowker Motor Group employees successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in Crowey’s memory – a challenge he’d completed himself several years earlier. By completing the 24-mile, 5200-feet climb in around 12 hours, Bowker staff raised over £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Bowker BMW has partnered with Pleasington Golf professional Stephen Malone.

Bowker BMW’s collaboration with PGA Performance Coach Stephen Malone is part of a broader BMW UK strategy to connect with the golfing community and support the growth of golf in Lancashire. 

This approach aims to capitalise on golf’s increasing popularity and alignment with BMW’s core values, including sustainability and luxury. By partnering with local golf professionals like Stephen, Bowker hopes to blend inspirational sporting and coaching experiences to inspire more people to take up the sport.

For Bowker BMW, Chris Eccles said: “It’s more than just golf; it’s about promoting a sustainable future and bringing new energy to the sport. Stephen is a great coach and a perfect partner to help us inspire more people to play the game. With BMW’s support, we can impact on and off the course.

“By supporting local talent and development through this collaboration, we can make a difference to the sporting community and even help a little to create local economic and social benefits.”

Stephen Malone is a PGA Performance Coach offering guidance to all levels of golfers, from beginners to playing professionals. With a raft of accreditations, he is an AimPoint Certified Instructor and Scott Cowx Advanced Instructor. Stephen’s online academy and coaching have achieved success in over 10 countries, and he has been providing online tuition for over five years.

Stephen Malone said: “Working with Bowker BMW allows me to bring something unique to the Blackburn community. It’s exciting to think about how to grow the sport locally and engage more people, especially younger players and women, who are just starting to discover golf.”

The partnership coincides with more people taking up golf post-pandemic. According to recent statistics, the number of registered golfers has risen by 5.6% since 2020, now totalling approximately 4.6 million players. 

The sport’s growing appeal among diverse demographic segments also presents a valuable opportunity for BMW to introduce its electric vehicles (BEVs) to an audience that values sustainability.

As the partnership progresses, Bowker BMW and Stephen Malone plan to host various events that showcase the best of golf and sustainability. Over the summer, Pleasington Golf Club will host a range of events.

The events will also offer the ideal setting for Bowker BMW to demonstrate the latest electric vehicles. Many golf clubs have adopted sustainable practices, aligning well with BMW’s commitment to electrification.

Bowker BMW has announced a strategic partnership with performance coach Laura Greenbank to inspire and support more women golfers in Lancashire. This initiative is part of BMW’s broader strategy to engage with local communities through golf.

Laura Greenbank has over 18 years of experience and a specialised qualification in Golf Psychology Coaching. She brings a unique perspective to the partnership with Bowker BMW. This collaboration is designed to elevate mental strategies and performance for local golf enthusiasts, with a particular focus on women and young players.

Laura’s academic background includes a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with a specialism in English and Physical Education, alongside qualifications in Counselling and Mental Health First Aid. She is currently studying for her Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Laura’s decision to start her business, LG Golf Psychology Coaching, blends her Sports leadership coaching skills across several sports with her knowledge of the mental aspects influencing sports performance.

Laura said: “Partnering with Bowker BMW is a fantastic opportunity to reach more golfers, especially women, who want to improve their game. Understanding the psychological aspects can profoundly impact performance. Thanks to the new video series, I’m excited to share my tips with more players across Lancashire.”

The initiative by Bowker BMW aligns with a new BMW UK Golf initiative, highlighting the importance of community engagement at an exciting time for the sport. Golf has seen a notable increase in participation post-pandemic, with a 5.6% rise in registered golfers since 2020, emphasising the growing interest from women and juniors.

Jonathan Rogan, director, for Bowker BMW, said: “The sport of golf promotes not only physical health but also mental well-being. That makes it a perfect match for our brand values, particularly sustainability and community support. We’re excited to partner with Laura and hope many more golfers will be inspired to take up the sport.” 

Laura added: “Golf is more than just a sport; it’s a tool for personal development and mental resilience. I look forward to helping our local athletes achieve their best, both on and off the course.”

The partnership between Bowker BMW and Laura Greenbank will include a range of initiatives, including workshops, personalised coaching sessions, and community events.

These activities are designed to promote golf as a vehicle for health and personal development. By fostering local talent and encouraging participation in local golf events, this collaboration will not only enhance the golf community but also contribute to community cohesion and economic activity.

For more information on the partnership click here.

Bowker BMW is investing a million pounds in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and 50 new electric charging points. 

With one in five UK cars now being battery-electric vehicles, the decision to install new charging points at Bowker on Trident Park in Blackburn reflects the increasing popularity of the growing BMW and MINI hybrid and electric models.

Bowker BMW is already one of the top 25% performing dealers in the UK for electrical vehicle (EV) sales. A high proportion of these sales go to local Lancashire businesses – who will now benefit from the new 22 kw and 50 kw charging points.

For Bowker Motor Group, Chris Eccles said: “This is fantastic news for Bowker and our customers. By investing in new EV chargers, we are addressing some key priorities for Bowker Motor Group. We all know that new chargers are a more environmentally friendly approach to powering vehicles. This is a global trend towards eco-friendly technology.

“Better still reinvesting in our business benefits the local community. We’ve used local contractors to install the new chargers. And by using local suppliers whenever possible, we help build a stronger local economy.”

Similar new chargers went live at Bowker BMW and MINI in Preston earlier in the year. Lancashire-based electric charging installer Smart EV Solutions is installing the new Bowker Motor Group EV chargers. Based in Preston, Smart EV Solutions specialises in commercial and domestic electric charger installations. Established in 2020, the Preston electrical contractors have already installed more than 100 EV chargers and have seen substantial growth in the number of investment companies installing EV chargers over the past 12 months. 

The EV charger investment continues Bowker Motor Group’s long-held environmental focus. This began ten years ago, when Bowker BMW in Blackburn installed 206 new solar panels on the centre’s roof. Since the five-figure installation, the panels have delivered CO2 savings estimated at almost 500 tonnes. That amount is equivalent to the amount of carbon sequestered by 80,000 trees grown from seedlings during the same time.

Then last year Bowker Blackburn installed 323 more. The move will allow the car centre to generate a quarter of its electricity needs from solar energy. It will also help reduce its carbon footprint by saving 26 tonnes of carbon emissions.

For over 15 years, Bowker Motor Group has recycled glass, cardboard, and even rubber tyres that are reconstituted for reuse, including flooring for children’s playgrounds.

Bowker BMW technician Mick Eastham has retired after 47 years with the company.

Mick Eastham, from Preston, began his career in 1977 at Kinders Garage. He joined Bowker Motor Group shortly after, dedicating his professional life to the company and witnessing significant changes in the automotive industry over the decades.

Over the years, Mick has seen numerous advances in automotive technology. In the 80s, technicians had extensive time to service vehicles, performing tasks such as stripping brakes and tuning engines. Today, improved oil quality and digital systems allow for faster and more efficient service.

Mick said: “In the old days, you just got a job and you fixed it. Now, with digital systems and quality oils, we can do more miles and work quicker. It’s a big change from how things used to be.”

Most recently Mick has worked at the aftersales centre at Bowker in Preston. Bigger than a football pitch, the centre is located on a 6.5 acre site on Watery Lane in Preston. It has 30 ramps, two dedicated MOT lanes and a state-of-the-art laser wheel alignment machine.

A Bowker Group manager is set to run his first marathon since a snowmobile accident nearly cost him his leg 11 years ago.

In February 2013, Group Implementation Manager Richard Cowell sustained serious injuries, including a six-inch bone-deep gash in his leg, after losing control of a snowmobile and colliding with a tree at approximately 50mph. The accident happened during a trip in Vancouver sponsored by BMW. 

On the 14th of April, Richard from Rawtenstall will compete in the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the UK’s second-largest marathon. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and support for runners of all levels, the event is an ideal platform for Richard’s first-ever marathon challenge.

He hopes to raise funds for Kieran’s Angels, a charity group formed for his friend, Kieran Keigher, which supports cancer research in the UK.

BMW has continued its impressive run at the coveted Fleet News Awards, securing the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. This achievement is particularly significant as the award is voted for by Fleet News readers, who are certified fleet decision-makers, reflecting the brand’s strong reputation across the wider sector.

The award ceremony was held on the 13th of March at Grosvenor House in London, where the achievements of the fleet industry were celebrated in style. In addition to the Manufacturer of the Year accolade, BMW also triumphed in individual vehicle categories. The BMW i4 claimed the Best Premium Car title, acknowledging its leading position in the premium electric vehicle market and its appeal to corporate customers and company car drivers.

Furthermore, the new BMW 5 Series was named Best Executive Car, solidifying its position as a leading choice for business users in the UK. Launched in October 2023, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series fuses advanced technology with an elegant and sporting saloon style, generous space, and exceptional refinement. The BMW 5 Series offers a choice of powertrains – petrol, plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric BMW i5, providing fleet customers complete flexibility depending on the needs of their drivers.

Matt Collins, General Manager of Corporate Sales at BMW UK, said, “We are immensely proud to be recognised once again as Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, and I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Fleet News and its readers for their continued support and recognition. We are also delighted to receive individual accolades for the BMW i4 and 5 Series. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the fleet sector.”

The Fleet News Awards are well-known for their meticulous judging process and focus on real-world fleet usage, thanks to a panel of industry-leading judges, making BMW’s continued success at these awards a testament to the brand’s leadership in the fleet sector.

For further information on BMW’s award-winning fleet and corporate offerings, please visit https://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/bmw/bmw-business-and-corporate-sales

Bowker BMW and Ribby Hall Village have confirmed a two-year sustainability partnership extension. 

The relationship began 12 years ago, in 2011. It began with a shared commitment to sustainability that continues today. The partnership extension includes an all-electric BMW iX1, a courtesy vehicle for the Village.

Located in Wrea Green, Ribby Hall Village emphasises sustainable business practices. Ribby Hall Village is a previous winner of the title Green Business of the Year. The Village’s initiatives include promoting energy efficiency, supporting local businesses, and working to divert all its waste away from landfills. Their aim is to maximise recycling efforts.

Bowker, meanwhile, received a national BMW UK Retailer Award for the car centre’s commitment to sustainability in 2023. The family-owned business invested almost £2 million in sustainability initiatives in 2022 alone and appointed an Energy Champion to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Jonathan Rogan, head of business for Bowker BMW, said: “Bowker and Ribby Hall Village are a great example of two local Lancashire businesses creating value for customers the right way. For Bowker, that means looking after the environment. The emission-free BMW iX1 is a great vehicle choice for Ribby Hall Village.”

The partnership between Bowker BMW and Ribby Hall Village centres on a shared commitment to sustainability. Both parties have agreed on actions that reflect their shared goals for environmentally conscious operations.

John McIlwham, director at Ribby Hall Village, said: “The fact that our partnership with Bowker has lasted for 12 years speaks volumes about our relationship together. When businesses that share the same values come together, we can work together and inspire each other to improve continually. The BMW iX1 will be used for our guests.”

The Corporate Key Account Manager at Bowker BMW has become one of the first in the country to achieve a new BMW Corporate Certified and Business Sales Skills certificate. 

Sue Singleton, who works for Bowker BMW with centres in Blackburn and Preston, was originally in the very first cohort and completed accreditation with the second cohort and is one of the first 23 corporate experts in the UK BMW network to achieve the certification. 

This certification is part of the Corporate Certified programme launched in January 2023. The new accreditation focuses on improving the corporate customer buying experience across the BMW and MINI retailer network. 

Sue’s training covered a rigorous programme designed by BMW UK to help certified retailers focus on the corporate customer experience. The result will benefit BMW owners with a uniform customer journey and establish quantifiable benchmarks.

Sue Singleton, Corporate Key Account Manager at Bowker BMW, said: “The training covered many diverse areas of my corporate role. Everything from finance to the way electric vehicles are transforming the customer experience. I learned a lot. We always set ourselves high standards. However, achieving the latest certificate guarantees that Bowker corporate customers will receive the highest standard of service.”

Richard Cowell, Group General Sales Manager, said: “Congratulations to Sue on becoming one of the first in the country to achieve the new certification. I know how hard she has worked and she deserves this success. The Corporate Certified programme is a significant step in our commitment to delivering exceptional service in the corporate vehicle sales sector. With her accreditation, Sue will now play a crucial role in delivering the high customer experience and business sales standards for which Bowker is renowned.”

BMW UK has introduced the initiative to distinguish BMW in the corporate sector. The training included detailed insights on the increasing mix of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which typically require more intensive customer interaction. 

Training is a crucial element of the new Corporate Certified programme, with courses provided at the BMW Group Academy near Reading. This training aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the corporate sector. 

Bowker BMW is already a Corporate Certified Retailer. This means the centre commits to providing enhanced service and support tailored to fleet managers, company car drivers, and leasing companies.

The centre promises industry-leading response times to enquiries, with service online requests answered within five minutes. For repairs, the team commits to triage within 24 hours to support parts ordering and technician requirements, with follow-up appointments scheduled within seven working days or three days if a warning light is showing.

The centre offers both collection and local delivery options for new cars, ensuring a premium handover experience with minimal delivery emissions.

Staff at Bowker BMW have donated over 50 gifts to The Wish Centre – a refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse

The gift collection focused on a ‘Gifting Tree’ in the reception area at Bowker BMW on Trident Way in Blackburn. The tree was decorated with tags, each featuring information about a current resident of The Wish Centre. 

Visitors and staff were encouraged to take a tag and replace it with a present for the individual, described as a gesture of support and goodwill. 

For Bowker BMW managing director Chris Eccles said: “This initiative is a meaningful way for our community to directly support those in need, especially during the festive season. We hope that the simple act of giving a gift will help to spread some seasonal goodwill for the lives of the residents at The Wish Centre”

The Wish Centre’s primary goal is to provide assistance to those who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse. This includes offering support, advice, and accommodation, as well as working with victims and their families to ensure safety and aid in their overall development and well-being.

For the Wish Centre, Rebekah Wilson said: “We are very grateful for Bowker BMW’s support. The centre aims to empower and assist individuals affected by domestic abuse to grow and reach their full potential. The support from initiatives like the Gifting Tree is a step in the right direction, especially at a time when support from those closest to us is so important.”

For more information about The Wish Centre and its services, visit www.thewishcentre.org

Staff from Bowker BMW in Preston have joined forces to donate presents to this year’s ‘Give a Gift’ campaign. The campaign, organised by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, aims to provide Christmas gifts to patients in hospital during the festive season.

The ‘Give a Gift’ campaign runs every Christmas to ensure that all Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital patients of all ages receive a gift on Christmas Day. The campaign’s primary goal is to offer comfort and a sense of community to those in hospital during a period traditionally spent with family.

Bowker director Jonathan Rogan said: “The ‘Give a Gift’ campaign is a great idea. We were pleased to support hospital patients facing challenging times during the holiday season. It struck a chord with Bowker staff, too. Everyone got involved with many generous donations.”

Stagecoach donated a bus for the charity team to visit Bowker and other workplaces, businesses, and schools to collect gifts from across Preston and beyond. The items they collected included gift sets, toiletries, books, stationery, and children’s toys – a little bit of everything for patients of different ages and needs.

In addition to physical gifts, the charity also welcomed monetary donations, suggesting a contribution of £5.00 to fund a gift for a patient. This aspect of the campaign provided an alternative means for individuals to contribute, broadening the participation base.

From Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, Dan Hill, Head of Charities, said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW and their staff for supporting this year’s ‘Give a Gift’ campaign. The generosity of businesses and the wider community greatly affects our efforts. No one chooses to be in hospital at Christmas. So, a gift can help to let patients know we’re thinking about them. It’s not just about the gifts, but the message of care and compassion.”

Once donated, the charity carefully manages the distribution of gifts in collaboration with clinical staff. This means the right gifts are distributed to the correct wards. Last year’s ‘Give a Gift’ supplied over 800 gifts to patients.

Bowker Motor Group in Blackburn and Preston has appointed a new Group Buyer.

Paul Hattersley from Bolton joins with buying responsibilities for BMW and MINI centres. Paul will source pre-owned BMWs and MINIs, ensuring the best choice for Bowker customers.

Paul joins Bowker Motor Group from Swansway Group, where he has been the Used Car Sales Manager since 2019. He brings almost 20 years of experience to the role at Bowker with an automotive retail career spanning several key positions. Paul has enjoyed key sales and management roles at Perrys Peugeot, Williams MINI Bolton and Marshall Mercedes in Bolton.

Paul said: “I am thrilled to join Bowker Motor Group as the Used Car Group Buyer for Bowker BMW and MINI. I live locally and know all about the well-known Bowker family from working in the automotive sector for so long. It’s an exciting new chapter in my career, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the Bowker team.”

Paul’s group role will see the group buying function integrated across the Preston and Blackburn sites. This follows a similar successful change to Bowker sales, which was restructured in 2021 to develop key management roles with Group responsibilities. 

Bowker director Chris Eccles said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Hattersley to our team at Bowker Motor Group. His extensive experience and expertise in the automotive industry, especially in luxury car sales, make him an invaluable addition to our group. 

“Paul has an exciting new role. We have already seen the benefits of creating group roles in car sales. With Paul’s expert lead, we now expect to streamline our buying processes and maximise value for the group.”

Away from work, Paul coaches his daughter’s football team, and he is a Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse – The future of BMW. Featuring a clear, elegant and timeless in its design, with large surfaces, distinctive lines, all reduced to the essentials. A fresh interpretation of the brand’s signature design elements transform the look of the vehicle, such as the kidney grille and headlights. 3D animated lighting effects provide intuitive interaction between the owner and the vehicle when they approach the car

“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.