Category: BMW News
One of Bowker Preston BMW’s most popular staff members has retired a matter of months before his 20-year milestone with the company.
Popular with staff and customers alike, Eoghan Gilbert was one of the most familiar faces at the aftersales reception at Bowker BMW in Preston. Bringing a perfect blend of humour and efficiency to the aftersales role, Eoghan was also renowned for organising staff charity challenges, including a recent 24-mile 5200-feet climb in around 12 hours and raising over £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Eoghan joined Bowker BMW in Preston in March 2004 as a Service Advisor before swiftly making his mark as a Senior Service Advisor, becoming one of the most recognisable members of the team for 19 years and 4 months. Prior to joining Bowker BMW, the former Darwen Vale High School student served as a service Advisor at Jacksons Mercedes Jersey and a Trade Advisor at Baxi Clean Air.
Now, Eoghan plans to take a breather from the automotive retail industry and make more time for wife Karen, to travel and to enjoy long walks with his pet dogs. Best wishes to Eoghan on his well-deserved retirement and the very best in all his future endeavours.
Lancashire-based Bowker BMW received a visit from Graham Biggs, the BMW UK communications director, for an official staff presentation of the first-ever BMW UK Sustainability Award.
The award, which recognises Bowker BMW’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, was initially announced at a ceremony in Liverpool as part of the national BMW UK Retailer Awards in January.
The award also reflects Bowker BMW’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and the family-owned business’s substantial financial investment of nearly £2 million in sustainability initiatives during 2022.
Statistics reflect the tangible impact of Bowker BMW’s commitment. The company has successfully reduced paper transactions and communications by 95%, demonstrating its commitment to minimising waste. Additionally, Bowker has appointed an Energy Champion to explore innovative ways of further reducing their environmental impact.
Bowker BMW’s sustainability journey began in 2007 with the launch of the “Bowker SOS” (Switch Off Something) initiative – an initiative inspired by the energy crisis of 1973, aimed to reduce energy consumption. The Group has since implemented various recycling programs and environmentally friendly practices. Only last month, Bowker BMW and MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston have taken another step towards sustainable energy use by installing 1600 new solar panels across their dealership roofs.
Chris Eccles, Director of Bowker BMW, said: “Thank you to BMW UK for taking the time to visit the centre to present this prestigious award. We are proud that BMW has acknowledged our commitment to sustainability nationally. At Bowker, we take our responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment seriously. And we want to lead by example.”
Bowker BMW’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives. The company prioritises social value and continuously strives to improve working conditions for employees. They invest in new showers, changing facilities, and sourcing uniforms from sustainable suppliers.
Furthermore, Bowker has established long-standing partnerships with local colleges, offering scholarship and apprenticeship programs for over 15 years. This commitment ensures the growth and development of the industry by providing valuable opportunities for apprentices and students interested in the motor trade.
The visit of the BMW UK communications director to Bowker BMW emphasises the significance of the Group’s achievements and collaboration. It showcases the positive impact that businesses can have on the environment and their local communities, inspiring others to prioritise sustainability.
We are delighted to have officially switched on 1600 new solar panels across our dealership roofs in Blackburn and Preston.
The new panels will allow our Centres to generate a quarter of our electricity from solar energy and reduce their carbon footprint by 130 tonnes!
The official solar panel switch-on was in recognition of Earth Day on Saturday, 22 April 2023.
Our Director, Jonathan Rogan, said: “It was perfect timing that Earth Day followed so soon after installing the new panels. We officially celebrated the switch on and joined other businesses across the globe to raise awareness of climate issues.
“Our new investment will significantly impact reducing our carbon footprint. As a company, we’re committed to leading the way in environmentally-friendly business practices. And we hope to inspire our staff, customers and others in the community about important environmental issues.”
Bowker has invested in sustainable energy before. In 2012, our Blackburn dealership installed 210 solar panels, making it the first car dealership in Lancashire to adopt solar energy. Since then, these panels have saved the company money and reduced carbon emissions by 500 tonnes.
Our ongoing commitment to sustainability was also recognised by BMW UK after recently receiving the first-ever National BMW UK Retailer Award for Sustainability. Read more here.
Earth Day is an annual event promoting environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s threats. This day is marked by various activities such as rallies, community clean-ups, and educational programs to encourage people to take action to protect the environment.
Bowker BMW has partnered with Preston North End’s Community and Education Trust to spread some Easter joy for children who benefit from the trust’s work across Preston.
The campaign will distribute Easter eggs to low-income families, food banks, and some participants in the most deprived areas of Preston.
The Easter eggs will be distributed in the lead-up to Easter, over the Easter weekend. They will also be given out at Preston North End’s home fixture against Reading on Easter Monday.
Jonathan Rogan, director at Bowker BMW, was happy to support the initiative. He said: “We know what a great job the Preston North End’s Community and Education Trust do for local people. That’s why we were only too happy to donate these Easter eggs. As a business, we are committed to supporting our local community. We hope this donation will bring a smile to the faces of friends and neighbours in local communities who need it most.”
Community Partnerships Co-ordinator Brad North for PNE Community and Education Trust said: “We really appreciate the donation from Bowker BMW. It allows us to provide Easter Eggs to those most in need at this time of year. They will be distributed locally. From previous years we know that children who receive the eggs will love the Bowker donation.”
The PNE Community and Education Trust deliver initiatives that create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. It also provides educational programs in sport, enterprise, and citizenship to support children who may face challenges with traditional learning environments.
BMW Group UK has added Pod Point as a preferred EV home chargepoint supplier for BMW retail customers, further enhancing home charging services for retail customers.
The three-year agreement will see BMW customers purchasing a new electrified vehicle at a franchise retailer offered the option of home charger consultation and installation by Pod Point’s expert team. Over 3,800 BMW customers have already installed a Pod Point home charger. All home installations benefit from a three-year Pod Point warranty included as standard.
The Pod Point app’s charge activity monitoring feature provides vehicle owners with insights into energy usage, enabling them to determine how much energy they are using to charge their vehicle and the electricity cost over a specified period.
This new partnership will also provide BMW customers with increased access to public charging infrastructure with the inclusion of Pod Point’s extensive network in the BMW Charging service. As a result, in addition to the 14,000+ UK chargepoints already offered to customers through included networks (including bp pulse and IONITY), Pod Point bring over 6,200 additional charging bays thereby increasing BMW Charging access to over 70%* coverage across the UK.
Daniel Elliott, eMobility Product Manager at BMW UK said “We’re really pleased to announce our new relationship with Pod Point. They excel at providing reliable, easy to use home charging products with a proven reputation for delivering outstanding customer service. Furthermore, the inclusion of Pod Point’s public charging network within BMW Charging further cements BMW’s focus on creating easy and convenient access to public charging, anywhere, using just the BMW Charging Card or My BMW App.”
Commenting on the partnership, Erik Fairbairn, Founder and CEO of Pod Point said: “We’re delighted to be working with BMW as a preferred chargepoint supplier. BMW has won praise for having some of the best electric cars on the market with its models consistently lauded for efficiency and range, and we’re excited about the electric vehicles it will bring to market in the coming months.”
The partnership supports BMW Group’s transformation towards sustainable mobility. This year, including pre-production vehicles, BMW Group will already have 15 fully-electric models in production and by the end of 2025, the company will have more than two million fully-electric vehicles on the road, worldwide.
Bowker BMW enjoyed a successful Lancashire Business Expo 2023, which took place on Friday, March 24th, at the Preston Guild Hall. The event drew in over 1,600 attendees, and Bowker BMW was one of the more than 120 exhibitors offering their services.
At the expo, Bowker BMW provided valuable information on the benefits of electric and hybrid fleets, including details on EV range, performance, and cost savings. In addition, their team of experts was available to provide one-on-one consultations and answer questions.
Marketing manager for Bowker BMW, Amy Lancaster-Hall, expressed her delight with the event, saying, “What a great event! The Lancashire Business Expo is always a fantastic opportunity to meet other local businesses. Thank you to Shout Expo for their hard work, and congratulations on delivering another memorable event.”
The Director of Shout Expo, Jordan Conlin, also praised the event, saying, “This year’s LBE was off the scale – so much fun. Preston Guild Hall was buzzing. We’re all exhausted, but we’re already excited about 2024! A huge thanks to all our partners and exhibitors who made the expo such a huge success and to the visitors who came along to see what the fuss is all about and give our exhibitors the chance to showcase their services.”
The Lancashire Business Expo has become a significant annual event for local businesses, providing opportunities for networking, interactive activities, and exhibition stands. To learn more about this year’s event and see reactions, search for #LBE2023 across social media channels.
Win a 24-hour test drive in the BMW iX and a luxury night stay for two at the blissful SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall.
This Mother’s Day, Bowker BMW are offering you the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay for two including breakfast and an aqua-thermal journey at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village*. The adult-only luxury 4 star Spa Hotel located in more than 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside has so much to offer. But that’s not all, you could also be enjoying the drive of the new BMW iX with a 24 hour test drive to coincide with your Spa Hotel stay. With onsite charging points, why not put the iX on charge whilst recharging your batteries with an Aqua Thermal Journey. Voted the UK’s Best Day Spa and a must-do experience, this two hour journey will have you feeling relaxed, restored and ready for drive away in the BMW iX. So why not enter to win this amazing prize.
For your chance to win, simply enter our competition by completing the following steps:
Enter on Facebook
- Like, Comment and Share our competition post on Bowker BMW Facebook
- Bonus Entry, follow Bowker BMW on Instagram
Enter on Instagram
- Like, Comment and Share our competition post on Bowker BMW Instagram
- Bonus Entry, like Bowker BMW on Facebook
Bowker BMW, BMW iX & Ribby Hall Spa Hotel Competition Entry Terms and Conditions.
The prize is an overnight luxury spa break with breakfast and Aqua Thermal Journey for two people at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall with use of a BMW iX. Dates are subject to availability. The prize is valid until the end of 2023. All additional costs incurred at Ribby Hall, including drinks and refreshments, are at the winner’s expense. Once booked, the date cannot be exchanged, nor any equivalent cash value refunded.
The loan of the BMW iX is subject to the following conditions:
– Mileage must not exceed 250 miles in total
– The age of the driver must be between 25 and 70 years old
– Any speeding, traffic offences or parking fines will be the responsibility of the Prize Winner
– Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle
– For insurance purposes, the Prize Winner must not have 6 or more points on their license or have been disqualified from driving in the last three years
– The vehicle must be returned to Bowker in the condition in which it was collected
– Vehicle to be collected from and returned to either Bowker Preston or Bowker Blackburn
– Model subject to availability
– No cash alternative
Bowker Motor Group, WH Bowker and Ribby Hall employees and family members are excluded from entering. Competition closes Sunday 19 March 2023 and the winner will be announced on Monday 20 March 2023 via Facebook or Instagram direct message. For a valid entry, entrants must have liked, commented and shared the competition post. This promotion is in no way endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.
BMW UK presented the award to the Bowker BMW Centres in Blackburn and Preston, at a ceremony in Liverpool. The award was one of the national BMW UK Retailer Awards and recognised the family-owned group’s commitment to sustainability. The award also acknowledges Bowker’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Bowker Motor Group’s financial commitment to sustainability in 2022 alone has reached almost £2 million. The business has engaged an Energy Champion to discover smarter ways to reduce their carbon footprint. And, last year, Bowker revealed that it has eliminated all but 95% of its paper transactions and communications.
The BMW UK Awards were presented at the ACC Liverpool by comedian Alan Carr and TV presenter Edith Bowman. The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of BMW and MINI retailers across the country. BMW UK chose winners in categories including Sales, Marketing, Used Cars, and Sustainability.
Chris Eccles, Bowker Motor Group director, said: “Thank you to BMW UK for this prestigious award. We are proud that BMW has recognised us for our commitment to sustainability, especially in the first year it has been presented. At Bowker, we take our responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment seriously. And we want to lead by example.
“This award is credit to the hard work and dedication of our staff. Now, more than ever, we’ll continue to find more ways to reduce our impact on the environment. It’s up to us all to reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference.”
Sustainability has been at the heart of Bowker Motor Group since 2007. In that year, the Bowker centres adopted the ‘Bowker SOS’ (Switch Off Something) initiative inspired by the energy crisis of 1973. Since then, the centres have recycled materials such as glass, cardboard, oil, and even rubber tyres to help the environment. Recyclers reconstitute the tyres to reuse in flooring for children’s playgrounds.
In 2012, Bowker BMW in Blackburn became the first car dealership in Lancashire to install solar panels on the roof of its Blackburn Centre. At the time, the investment in 210 panels offered a projected saving of £420,000 over the next 25 years. With the spiralling increase in energy costs, this saving is likely to be even more. An emissions saving of almost 500 tonnes of CO2 was also predicted.
The sustainability award also acknowledged Bowker for creating wide-ranging social value. The business demonstrated a focus on improving working conditions for employees and supporting the local community.
At work, the company is investing in new showers and changing facilities for staff. From wealth management workshops to professional development for managers, Bowker employees can count on support. And they have sourced uniforms from sustainable suppliers.
Working with local colleges, Bowker has established scholarship and apprenticeship schemes for over 15 years. The group has employed 14 apprentices and recently hired its first female apprentice. Bowker also invites students to experience the motor trade at first hand. The training covers all departments during a 10-day period.
Bowker BMW is spearheading an environmental drive to make all its processes paperless; and has already eliminated all but 95% of its paper transactions and communications.
Family-owned Bowker Motor Group’s paperless mission was pioneered by the group’s sales team in their centres in Blackburn and Preston. The company’s aftersales department has now followed their lead in going completely paperless. The remaining departments will soon follow suit.
The paper-free changes means that the customer experience at Bowker is now completely digital – using computer screens and tablets to share information. The information is then stored securely and digitally instead of as physical documents.
Stewart Rose, Bowker Group service manager, said: “With the introduction of paperless processes, we all learned to adapt the way we work. It didn’t take long for the benefits to all staff and customers to become clear. Digitised documents are much easier to search for and find. It’s speeding all our processes up, too. All our transactions are now completed on tablets.”
Bowker Motor Group has partnered with Keyloop to introduce new paperless processes. Keyloop provides dealer management systems in over 90 countries. Its technology connects over 250,000 product users and 18,000 retail sites. The secure open platform links retailers, manufacturers, partners, and customers to provide a seamless automotive retail and service experience.
In addition to the improved customer experience Bowker’s paperless drive is delivering other business benefits too. Digital storage saves space and time, boosts security and helps the environment. Manufacturing paper products produce greenhouse gases, causing deforestation and global warming.
Stewart Rose adds: “Our new paperless processes help continue our company’s commitment to the environment. We also monitor how we recycle packaging and waste; conserve energy and use more electric vehicles – it all adds up! The energy crisis and Global climate emergency has encouraged us to focus on what all businesses need to do to make a difference.”
Bowker Motor Group’s long-held environmental focus began more than 15 years ago when they recycled glass, cardboard and even rubber tyres to be reconstituted for re-use including flooring for children’s playgrounds.
10 years ago Bowker BMW in Blackburn installed 206 new solar panels on the roof of the dealership. 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.
Our very own Service Technician, Phil Darwen from Bowker BMW Blackburn, has been awarded BMW Master Technician status for the first time. He’s one of only 70 Master Technicians in the country.
Phil’s achievement is even more remarkable, because he completed his Senior and Master Technician accreditations in the same year – something that normally takes candidates years to complete.
Phil achieved his Masters qualification after successfully passing a rigorous day-long exam – which has to be retaken every five years.
Phil said: “The most challenging part is keeping up with the new technology. But we also see older cars with over a hundred thousand miles on the clock. We enjoy keeping them running as well as the day they rolled out of the dealership. Bowker BMW is a very supportive company. Hopefully payback for the dealership’s support. I’ve worked hard. But they have invested in me too.”
In the tests, Phil successfully completed the industry-recognised examinations featuring a range of online, practical, diagnostic and theoretical examinations. The test also includes a coaching exercise and customer handling situations.
Stewart Rose, Bowker Motor Group service manager, said: “Congratulations to Phil. It’s a wonderful achievement. He’s a very valuable member of the team here at Bowker, he works hard and inspires and helps colleagues with his knowledge and passion for the latest BMW models.”
Bowker BMW in Blackburn has of the most qualified service departments in the UK: 1 Master Technician; 3 Senior Technicians; 12 BMW Technicians and 3 BMW Service Technicians – all with Automotive Technician Accreditation.
We were delighted to take part in the Electric Vehicles, Renewables and Energy Efficiency For Business at the AMRC North West facility in Salmesbury. The event was delivered by Electricity North West and its partners: AMRC (University of Sheffield), Chamber Low Carbon, East Lancashire Chamber, North and West Lancashire Chamber, Lancashire County Council, Boost and Let’s Experience Electric.
The event brought together industry leaders and businesses from across Lancashire and the North West to offer practical advice and guidance on switching to electric vehicles, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
We heard from industry leaders and case studies from businesses already on their net zero journey and also offered the chance to network with other businesses and suppliers.
Speakers also included were:
- Councillor Shaun Turner, Lancashire County Council
- Jonny Sadler, strategic decarbonisation manager, Electricity North West
- Miranda Barker OBE, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
- Paul George, commercial manager, Drax
- Melissa Conlon, commercial director, AMRC North West.
Test drives were then available for delegates to try out our electric range. These included the BMW i4, iX3, iX and Electric MINI Level 2. All of which received a lot of attention and popularity.
To experience the BMW electric range for yourself. Book a test drive today* at https://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/bmw/new-cars/bmw-i-range
To experience the MINI electric for yourself. Book a test drive today* at https://www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/mini/new-cars/mini-electric
*Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Ts&Cs apply.
#NetZeroLancs #ElectricityNorthWest #AMRCNorthWest #ElectricVehicles
This season, the under 10’s team at Springfields FC will wear brand new tops, training tops, shorts and socks thanks to a sponsorship by Bowker BMW in Preston; Paul’s employer for over 15 years.
Before his death in 2021, Paul ‘Crowey’ Crowhurst had worked at Bowker BMW for over 15 years and was also the Chairman of Springfields FC.
For Bowker BMW in Preston Jonathan Rogan, Head of Business, said: “Paul was a much-loved colleague and a selfless supporter of grassroots football. Never more so than when it came to Springfields F.C. He’d taken one of the teams at Springfields through all the age groups. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the U10’s team in Paul’s memory and wish them all the best for the season.”
Springfields under 10’s play in the Mid Lancashire Colts Junior Football League league. Springfields FC is a community club in Preston offering football coaching starting at age 5, with teams competing from under 7’s through to adults.
For Springfields F.C., treasurer Danielle Gore said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW for sponsoring the under 10’s kit. These are young players at the start of their football adventure, just like the team that Crowey first coached. His legacy lives on in the lives of the young people who he inspired, and the hundreds of other players and parents who benefitted from his hard work on the committee and as our Chairman.”
Last month 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.
Unlock your next thrill, with the new BMW M2.
Achievements come in many different forms. With the new BMW M2 they’re expressed through an M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline petrol engine producing 460hp, in perfect synergy with the latest technology that ensures total control.
Your move.
Dynamics and design features of the new BMW M2 Coupé.
Front Design.
Compact proportions and clear contours define the characteristic design of the BMW M2 Coupé. In the style of the BMW 2002, the headlights are implemented as individual units.
M Carbon roof.
As part of the intelligent lightweight construction concept, the M Carbon roof significantly helps to reduce the vehicle’s weight. Thanks to its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) design, it is around 6 kg lighter than a comparable roof made of steel. This shifts the vehicle’s centre of gravity downwards and increases driving dynamics.
Rear Design.
The muscular wheel housings and the typical M wheel arches emphasise the broad and powerful stance of the new BMW 2 Coupé on the road, conveying its power and athleticism impressively to the outside. The rear lights reveal a completely new interpretation of the characteristic L-shape as they spread pulsatingly to the sides.
INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BMW M2.
M Carbon bucket seats.
The M Carbon bucket seat with illuminated M2 logo and M colour accents combines the lightness and racing character of a bucket seat with the range of functions of an M sport seat. Its fit provides optimum lateral support and high long-distance comfort. The seat is compatible with multipoint harnesses and therefore fully suitable for racing.
M steering wheel.
With the M leather steering wheel, you can enjoy a sporty, direct steering feel and conveniently retrieve the preset M Drive configurations at the touch of a button.
BMW Curved Display.
The one-piece, fully digital BMW Curved Display provides information on your BMW over a large area and clearly arranged. It combines a 12.3” instrument display with a touch-capable 14.9” Control Display. Operation is ergonomically optimised and intuitive. The curved, almost free-floating design looks both sophisticated and modern.
BMW M2 COUPÉ – IMPRESSIONS.
Figures are provisional.
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
Exclusive, expressive, electrified: The new BMW XM combines impressive presence with the high performance of a BMW M and powerful plug-in hybrid technology of the latest generation:
- The BMW XM is the first high-performance car from BMW M, combining a newly developed V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine with BMW’s 5th generation battery technology.
- Both power sources deliver 653hp and 800Nm combined propelling the XM from 0-62mph in 4.3s.
EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BMW iX1.
Front Design.
The iconic front in the style of the BMW luxury class inspires with its “Iconic Glow” illuminated kidney grille and thin daytime running lights typical of M. The distinctive grille with the BMW XM logo and exclusive Night Gold accents exudes luxury and exclusivity. The powerful sculpted bonnet merges smoothly into two power domes.
Side View.
The side view combines the strong character of the design in coupé style with powerful proportions and styling highlights such as the darkest windows of the entire BMW model range. Both the 23” light alloy wheels and the accent band that make the shaping of the new BMW XM unique create an especially exclusive effect in the accent colour Night Gold.
Rear Design.
The vertical, hexagonal M twin tailpipes give the rear with gold-coloured diffuser accents and the new XM logo a unique presence. The two BMW logos lasered on either side of the rear window make reference to the last “M only” model – the BMW M1. Together with the wheel arches, the surrounding rear lights emphasise the robust, broad stance.
INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BMW XM.
Illuminated headliner.
The indirectly illuminated headliner impresses with a three-dimensional prism structure. Distinctive Ambient light provides a splendid presentation of the various lighting designs such as the welcome scenario. The colour selection can be adapted to individual needs to match driving mode and atmosphere.
M Lounge.
The M Lounge offers a unique sensation of spaciousness. The one-piece seating area and details such as the diamond-shaped structures in the headrests and stitching pattern convey comfort and luxury. Together with the sculptural, indirectly illuminated headliner, dark windows and comfort cushions, they create a novel feeling of space.
Exclusive Vintage leather.
The new leather with vintage character fascinates with its natural structure and texture vintage character, setting elegant accents in the door trims and instrument panel. This material is being put to use for the very first time exclusively in the new BMW XM and the special processing and refinement methods provide unique and individual styling in every vehicle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN THE NEW BMW XM.
- Purely electric range up to 55 miles (WLTP) and intelligent driving modes for full flexibility
- Maximum driving pleasure with supreme efficiency
- Efficient combustion engine with 489hp (360kW) and BMW eDrive power unit with 197hp (145kW)
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
For Plug-in Hybrid vehicles these figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel, for battery electric vehicles after the battery had been fully charged. Plug-in Hybrid and battery electric vehicles require mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
At temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, purely electric driving mode of plug-in hybrid models will not be available until the battery has warmed up to an operational condition after the vehicle has travelled a few miles.
Three of our highly skilled apprentices at Bowker BMW on Trident Park in Blackburn, joined forces to enter this year’s Accrington Soapbox Challenge.
The Bowker BMW ‘soapbox car’ is being made from sourced recycled tables and chairs, plus BMX bike wheels and other repurposed items.
19 year-old Accrington College student Luke Comberbach and Blackburn College students 17 year-old Jack Orrell and 19 year-old Ciaran O’Boyle have worked together in between their other jobs to spearhead the Bowker challenge.
Ciaran said: “We’re very excited. It’s been great fun to build the cart. And we think we’ve got a good chance. We recycled old tables that we sourced from college. We used an old chair from a gaming steering wheel setup. We found the bmx tyres on the internet. Whatever we could lay our hands on really!
“The three of us have done most of the work. But other Bowker technicians have helped with advice and opinions. One of them came up with the design. Then we put it together. We’ve learned so many new skills. I’d never welded before. I’ve learned how to weld. So, hopefully the pieces will stay together!”
This year’s Soapbox Challenge takes place in Accrington town centre on Saturday, 27th August 2022. The last event saw 26 contestants, over 9000 spectators, plus family fun stalls and activities.
‘Soapbox cars’ were historically made from wooden soap crates. More recently, materials have become more varied since the first publicly recorded Soapbox race in 1904.
Competitors have been challenged to create a four-wheeled non-motorised Soapbox vehicle, using only gravity for fuel and speed. The soapbox must have a form of steering, the ability to brake and competitor safety helmets must be worn.
Aside from that, there are no rules. It’s simply the first to reach the finishing line wins! Novelty prizes will also be awarded to competitors with the Best Soapbox Design and Best Team Costume.
A customer service apprentice from Clitheroe has become the first Bowker BMW apprentice to achieve a distinction in a new apprenticeship format.
19-year-old Ella Grimshaw, an apprentice at Bowker BMW in Blackburn, completed her Customer service apprenticeship with Blackburn College. Ella achieved distinctions in all three elements of the course: professional discussion, observation and showcase portfolio.
The new process, called an End Point Assessment (EPA), is an impartial assessment of an apprentice’s skills, knowledge and behaviours compared with the apprenticeship standard.
Ella, a former pupil at St Augustine’s High School in Clitheroe, said: “I’m really pleased to achieve distinctions. It was a nice bonus to be told the results were in the new format.The blend of coursework and practical on-the-job learning really suits me. I’ve learned a lot and gained confidence talking to customers. My manager and colleagues have been very supportive and I’d like to continue learning with Bowker.”
For Bowker BMW in Blackburn, Stewart Rose said: “Congratulations to Ella. This is an amazing result; especially when you consider the disruption she has faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bowker has a proud tradition of success within the apprentice community, and Ella’s exceptional results will see.
“Ella’s success is another example of how the partnership between Bowker BMW and Blackburn College continues to flourish through work placement and apprenticeship opportunities for students.”
Blackburn College Principal and Chief Executive Dr Fazal Dad said: “Congratulations to Ella for completing her EPA and finishing with an outstanding distinction grade.
“We have a great relationship with Bowker BMW which has enabled our apprentices the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting at a local employer. I look forward to seeing how Ella continues to progress with Bowker BMW.”
The long-standing partnership – first signed in 2015 – has led to a steady stream of Motor Vehicle students accessing work experience and learning on the job through the Bowker BMW Apprenticeship programme.
The Bowker BMW Apprenticeship programme offers College students the opportunity to train alongside master technicians, with several Blackburn College students having already gone on to employment with Bowker BMW.