Category: Mini News

Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn have hosted a ‘Gifting Tree’ for the second consecutive year. 

The ‘Gifting Tree’ appeal supports The Wish Centre, a local refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Staff and customers at Bowker BMW and MINI gathered and donated gifts for residents of The Wish Centre, with a tree set up in the main reception area adorned with tags that contain age, gender, and size information for gift recipients. The initiative provides gifts for individuals who have faced hardship and are starting new lives away from difficult circumstances.

Chris Eccles, Bowker BMW and MINI managing director, said: “We received a lot of support for the Gifting Tree last year, so to enjoy this support again is great. We know this is a difficult time of year for families in the refuge, so we’re grateful for any gesture from customers and staff that can help brighten their holidays.”

The Wish Centre offers essential services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, counselling, and advocacy. The Gifting Tree is part of Bowker’s commitment to supporting these efforts by making the festive season feel more hopeful for those affected.

Rebekah Wilson from The Wish Centre said: “Thank you so much to Bowker BMW and MINI. The Gifting Tree reminds residents that they aren’t alone. Simple gifts mean a lot to children and families who have left everything behind, and it really does make a difference knowing people care. We are grateful for all the support from businesses just like Bowker at this time of year.”

Bowker MINI dealerships in Blackburn and Preston hosted an exclusive launch event on Thursday, November 7, offering customers an early look at the new all-electric MINI Aceman.

The event, which ran from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, featured live music, a complimentary bar, and pizzas from Doughboys, alongside games and entertainment.

Attendees were among the first to explore the new MINI Aceman, a compact crossover with room for five passengers and enhanced luggage space.

Chris Eccles for Bowker MINI said: “The new all-electric MINI Aceman is a strong character with its young personality within the new MINI family. It’s the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.”

The MINI Aceman marked the brand’s first crossover model in the premium small car segment, combining a modern all-electric drive with compact dimensions and a spacious interior.

With a maximum range of up to 252 miles, the vehicle was suited to both city and long-distance travel, aiming to meet the growing demand for locally emission-free mobility.

Chris added: “With its distinctive expression and compact design, the Aceman brought a fresh, youthful personality to the MINI line-up. It offered an innovative, immersive digital experience that was fun and intuitive for drivers.”

The event was hailed as a great success, with both the Blackburn and Preston showrooms enjoying strong attendance and positive feedback from attendees.

View the new MINI Aceman here.

Bowker MINI employees have completed a volunteer day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, assisting in woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm, Samlesbury.

The project, located just off the M6 at Junction 31, involved staff from Bowker MINI’s Blackburn and Preston centres. Inspired by MINI UK Big Love campaign, the team carried out tasks such as inspecting tree health, removing competing plants from tree guards, straightening tree stakes, and marking trees needing replacement.

Chris Eccles, for Bowker MINI, said: “It was great to return to Blue Slate Farm, where we had planted trees a couple of years ago. Seeing how they’ve grown and being part of their continued care was really rewarding for us.”

This latest conservation effort follows Bowker MINI’s long-standing collaboration with the Ribble Rivers Trust, which has seen the business and its staff participate in a range of environmental projects. 

Jack Spees, CEO of the Ribble Rivers Trust, said: “The continued support from Bowker MINI is invaluable. Having their team back to help with woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm makes a real difference to the health of the woodland and the success of our long-term conservation efforts.”

Since partnering with the Ribble Rivers Trust, Bowker MINI has participated in several conservation projects to improve local environments. These have included tackling the invasive Himalayan Balsam at Haggs Wood in Burnley, a litter-picking event along Eaves Brook in Preston, and the recent woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm in Samlesbury.

Each project has involved Bowker MINI staff volunteering to support river health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats as part of the MINI UK Big Love campaign, which promotes community engagement and environmental conservation across the country.

Bowker MINI’s involvement in these initiatives highlights their commitment to preserving local wildlife and improving the natural environment. The Ribble Rivers Trust encourages local volunteers to join their ongoing conservation efforts, with more information available at ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer.

Bowker MINI has announced its sponsorship of young Lancashire racing driver Ashley Gregory.

19 year-old Ashley, from Rossendale, has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the ranks in British motorsport since beginning her racing career at the age of just 10.

The three-time Junior Ministox Champion will be one of only two female competitors in this year’s Vertu MINI Challenge Series. The partnership with the Blackburn and Preston-based car centres means Bowker MINI will appear on Ashley’s race suit and car and the display banner outside the awning at events. 

Ashley said: “Racing is my life; it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Bowker’s support is a wonderful validation of my efforts and achievements so far. The Vertu MINI Challenge is a real step up for me. But with the right people behind the team, it’s exciting to dream about what we can achieve together.”

Ashley has loved speed since she was 7 when she raced for fun on a quad bike on homemade tracks. By 2015, she was competing in Junior Ministox, driving against opponents up to 16 years old.

A crash in only her third race failed to halt her progress as she won the overall Junior Ministox Championship three times over the next four years. Despite being only 19, Ashley has already claimed over 120 trophies and secured multiple significant race victories.

In 2019, Ashley debuted in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) Scholarship, where she was a finalist. Following this, she and her family decided to compete independently. By 2020, Ashley had already achieved two podium finishes in the JSCC, and by the following year, she added a race win and several fastest lap times to her achievements.

This season, Ashley is competing in the prestigious Vertu MINI Challenge Series for the second year. Her entry into the series in the first year marked a significant step up in competition. Ashley finished P12 in class and enjoyed two rookie wins. A successful season she now hopes to build on.

Jonathan Rogan for Bowker MINI said: “We are thrilled to support a young talent like Ashley. It’s important that Lancashire encourages young people with such a passion for motorsport in the county. Ashley has already enjoyed enviable success. We look forward to seeing more podiums and trophies this season. We are proud to be part of Ashley’s journey.”

With the backing of Bowker MINI, Ashley is set to further her racing career with robust support and resources, underscoring the motor group’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting excellence in motorsport.

View Ashley’s website and track her progress: https://www.ashleygregoryracing.com/news

Bowker MINI have won a national marketing award for the second time in just three years.

The Bowker MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston beat off competition from more than 130 other UK centres to win the Marketing category at the MINI UK Retailer Awards.

Judges commented on Bowker MINI’s year, saying that: “exciting and comprehensive marketing activities covering events, content creation and local relevance meant Bowker edged ahead of the competition to win the award.”

Winners on the night were selected across a range of categories, including sales, marketing, financial services, and used cars, at the awards ceremony awards in Manchester hosted by writer and comedian Katherine Ryan.

Bowker MINI group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall said: “It’s a proud achievement to win the national marketing award – but to win it twice is special for the whole team. The last time we won, we were in lockdown, and the celebration was a virtual one. It goes without saying that it was much more fun to celebrate in person.

“We have a small team compared with some larger dealer groups. But what we may lack in numbers, we make up for in hard work and creativity. This award is a credit to each and every one of them.”

The four-strong marketing team at Bowker MINI includes Amy, marketing executives Jess O’Neill and Charlotte Brown, and graphic designer Chloe Robinson. 

Bowker MINI has been shortlisted for marketing excellence in seven out of the last eight years. In 2015, Bowker Motor Group marketing manager Amy Lancaster-Hall won the MINI Marketer of the Year category.

This year, the marketing team at Bowker MINI focused on the MINI electric, selling out by year-end. Bowker combined events, radio, email and social media channels featuring the MINI product genius videos.

Activity included product placement in partnership with the Royal Lancashire Show and Blackburn Rugby Club. Bowker MINI also delivered campaigns like the ‘Design Your Day’ social media competition, which generated over 50 test drives. 

Bowker MINI was also shortlisted for the Big Love award. New for 2024, the ‘MINI Big Love’ award acknowledges those delivering significant and impactful initiatives, which could include charitable fundraising, volunteering, or efforts to reduce environmental impact.

Bowker Preston MINI’s manager is calling time on his 30-year career working in the automotive retail sector.

Peter Turner, Bowker MINI Preston brand manager and a familiar face in Lancashire’s automotive retail community, is retiring in January. 

Wiganner Peter first joined the Bowker Motor Group in 2002. Over the years, he left a lasting impact on the organisation, serving in various key roles. From 2002 to 2008, he contributed significantly to Bowker BMW in Preston and MINI in Blackburn as a Brand Manager. 

In 2014, he took on successful sales management roles with motorcycle retailers Bowker Harley-Davidson and Bowker Motorrad, both located in Preston. In 2019, he returned to Bowker MINI in Preston as brand manager – a role which proved to be his last with the business.

Away from the cut and thrust of the automotive retail world, Peter now hopes to spend more time with wife, Vicky and two sons, Adam and Liam. Peter will also be travelling and spending more time watching and playing rugby league.

Reflecting on his career, Peter said: “I’ve had a great time with the Bowker Motor Group. But it’s time for a new chapter. I’ll take only great memories of colleagues and customers. We have enjoyed events and drive-outs together. I have been especially proud of the unique customer experience we have created. I know I’ll miss the team, but I am grateful for their support and excited for the future.”

For Bowker Motor Group, chief executive Paul Bowker said: “We’re lucky to work alongside some of the automotive trade’s good guys and girls here at Bowker. And Peter is no exception. His leadership and passion for delivering an exceptional retail experience earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. He deserves his retirement, and he goes with all our best wishes.”