Category: Mini News
Charged up, roof down and ready to go.
Following the positive feedback on the one-off presented in summer 2022, MINI is going ahead with a small series of all-electric MINI Convertible, representing another big step in the direction of electric mobility.
“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.
With only 150 exclusive to the UK, the MINI Electric Convertible will be offered with a fixed specification and two exterior paint choices for customers: Enigmatic Black or White Silver.
It also showcases edition-specific 17” Electric Power Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels, made from 100 per cent secondary aluminum. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.
For the interior, MINI Yours sports seats in Leather Lounge design offer seat heating and adjustable thigh support, while the multifunctional sports steering wheel – finished in Nappa leather – is also heated and features the MINI Electric logo. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, while ambient lighting and signature MINI Electric yellow colour accents, such as the start-stop toggle switch, complete the interior design.
Premium interior materials are complemented by eDrive services, providing the driver with current energy consumption, range, and tips for economical driving, all displayed on the MINI Head-Up Display. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and MINI Driving Assistant enhance comfort.
For more information or to register your interest, please complete the enquiry form on this page and we’ll be in touch. Click here to view our Centre opening hours.
Our employees and customers spread Big Love for Santa’s little yelpers in 2022 by donating a bumper bundle of goodies for homeless dogs in the region.
For several weeks, motorists in Lancashire had been Dachshund through the snow to drop off donations at our MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston.
Donated items included tinned meats and treats as well as dog toys, towels and bedding. The gifts have now been delivered to the Dogs Trust in Denton near Manchester.
For Bowker MINI, Marketing Executive Jess O’Neill said: “Thank you to all our customers who have donated so generously. The gift donation is part of an ongoing partnership between MINI and The Dogs Trust. It also reflects our Big Love commitment by each of our centres to make a difference in our local community. Thanks to MINI owners’ kindness, many dogs in need will be enjoying a happier Christmas this year.”
We are proud that MINI is the first Dogs Trust-supported, dog-friendly car retailer in the country. Training each centre is part of MINI UK’s mission to make showrooms as accessible as possible – including for devoted dog owners and their companions.
Earlier this year, our Centres became the first MINI Centres in Lancashire to be certified dog friendly by the Dogs Trust. Our staff are trained for every aspect of engaging with dogs who visit, including greeting, health and safety, managing tricky situations, safe car travel and best car options for dog owners.
For more information on our partnership with Dogs Trust, contact your local Bowker MINI Centre or fill out the enquiry form on this page.
Bowker MINI 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.
At Bowker MINI it’s no secret we’re crazy about dogs. Which is why, yesterday, we hosted our first Howl-Oween dog walk for our MINI Owners at Black Bull Inn – Old Langho. The morning saw a gathering of menacing MINI’s, ghoulish grown-ups, little monsters and fang-tastic fury friends.
We returned to the Black Bull Inn where we all enjoyed a complimentary breakfast sandwich (yummy bacon butties) & hot beverage.
Prizes were given out for the best costumes in the following categories:
- Little Monsters (Kids)
- Fang-tastic Fury Friends
- Ghoulish Grown-ups
- #Squadghouls (Family)
- Most Menacing MINI
We were delighted to partner with Dogs Trust to raise a collection of items needed for the dogs at their centres – courtesy of our generous dog-loving MINI Owners.
Thank you to all that attended and made it such a wonderful morning!
IN THE YELLOW CORNER…
Introducing our striking new MINI 5-Door Hatch in Zesty Yellow. This car is sure to turn heads while adding a splash of colour to the roads.
Our MINI’s now come with Premium Pack and Automatic Transmission as standard plus a boot-load of extra features and cool tech to make each drive even more MINI. See below to see what you can get with this amazing ‘not so little’ car. There’s more than meets the eye.
All options in package
- ISOFIX Child Seat System
- Flexible CarSharing Preparation
- Alarm System
- Ambient Lighting
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Apple CarPlay preparation
- Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming
- Electric Folding Door Mirrors
- DAB Radio
- Automatic Air Conditioning
- Sport Automatic DTC Transmission
- Additional Interior Lighting
- Front Heated Seats
- Storage Pack
- MINI Driving Modes
- MINI TeleServices
- Comfort Access
- MINI Emergency Call
- Cruise Control
Order your 72 plate at Bowker today. Whichever model you choose, they all have one thing in common: joyful go-kart handling, timeless design features & cool tech.
To find out more about our range of offers and book a test drive*, call 01772 761234 or 01254 274333 today or click the button below. Who’s in?
Terms and Conditions
*Test drive subject to availability and driver eligibility.
On Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August, our teams at Bowker MINI in Preston and Blackburn hosted their first events to support conservation and environmental improvements on the River Ribble and its associated tributaries.
At both events, staff joined forces with their customers to volunteer for Ribble Rivers Trust. Whilst neither centre is a stranger to working with charities, it was the first time they had collaborated with customers to work together on local conservation.
Bowker MINI in Preston focused on removing as much litter as possible at the River Ribble in Penwortham, Preston, to help free the river and riverbanks from waste and plastic and preventing it from reaching the sea.
Bowker MINI in Blackburn went brash bundling along Bashall Brook, near Bashall Eaves. Brash bundles are used to protect the riverbank from further erosion. Bundles are created from coppiced Willows and act as natural barriers, dispersing the energy of the river water, and providing habitat for fish and invertebrates.
For Bowker MINI, Amy Lancaster-Hall, Group Marketing Manager, said: “MINI is built on Big Love, and we’re on a mission to make life brighter. Two little words with the power to inspire a world of change. Many of our staff and customers live locally and enjoy the Lancashire countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Ribble Rivers Trust created two great events. We learned so much about their mission and this is just the start of our volunteering with them.”
Last month Bowker MINI made their Big Love Pledge to deliver conservation improvements in the Ribble catchment to benefit people, wildlife and the environment.
Bowker MINI has collaborated with Ribble Rivers Trust to create the volunteer events. Ribble Rivers Trust is involved in a number of important conservation activities in the Ribble catchment area. Volunteers will be involved in organised support which may include tree planting, clean ups, fencing, and brash building using wood from fallen trees.
Jack Spees, chief executive for Ribble Rivers Ribble Trust, said: “Thank you to Bowker MINI staff and customers for joining us on two of our conservation events. Volunteers are incredibly important to us. They are a vital work force in helping to deliver improvement to the environment, and the eyes and ears of this vast area!
“Bowker MINI staff and customers made a huge difference by collecting litter and plastic in Penwortham and brash bundling in Bashall Eaves. It was the perfect blend of the great outdoors and meeting like-minded people; not forgetting gaining experience and learning new skills.
“The events we created for Bowker MINI represent a small but important part of the Trust’s work. With over 3,114 miles of rivers and streams in the catchment there is always a lot to do.”
The Bowker MINI volunteering pledge forms part of a national initiative launched by MINI UK called Big Love. MINI retailers nationally have submitted a unique Big Love pledge. Each pledge is an ongoing commitment to each retailer’s local community. This simple promise encourages centres to build partnerships with local organisations, like Ribble Rivers Trust, to deliver help and support.
Ribble Rivers Trust is a local charity working to improve, protect and promote the River Ribble for both people and wildlife. Based in Clitheroe, the Trust works with the public and private organisations to deliver river improvements. Projects can take place across the entire Ribble catchment for the benefit of local people and the environment.
If you’re interested in volunteering for Ribble Rivers Trust, find out more by visiting https://ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer/
Bowker MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston have become the first MINI centres in Lancashire to be certified dog friendly by the Dogs’ Trust.
Bowker MINI staff were trained for every aspect of engaging with dogs who visit their centres including greeting, health and safety, managing tricky situations, safe car travel and best car options for dog owners.
MINI is the first Dogs’ Trust-supported, dog-friendly car retailer in the country. Training each centre is part of MINI UK’s mission to make showrooms as accessible as possible – including for devoted dog owners and their companions.
For Bowker MINI, new dog-friendly champion, Jane Cross said: “Many of our drivers own or love dogs. I think the boot space, handling and low base makes them a good option for dog owners. You can even get an optional Pet Pack with a guard and mat.
“It was a surprise to hear that we were the first in Lancashire. It was a fun course. And we can’t wait to welcome even more motorists and their dogs now that we are certified dog friendly by the Dogs’ Trust.”
The latest accolade for Bowker MINI follows on from last year’s victory in a national competition to produce and share a creative video. The video starred a Lancashire rescue dog called George. George, abandoned by previous owners, made his acting debut in the video that celebrated the feeling motorists get when they collect a new car.
Nationally, the MINI Clubman won ‘Dog friendly car of the year’ at the News UK Motor Awards 2021.
As part of the MINI ‘Big Love’ campaign, Bowker MINI on Preston Docks and Trident Park in Blackburn will volunteer staff time to The Ribble Rivers Trust from August. The centres will also invite MINI owners to join them in volunteering activities.
The Ribble Rivers Trust is involved in a number of important conservation activities in the Ribble catchment area. Volunteers will be involved in organised support which may include tree planting, clean ups, fencing, and brash building using wood from fallen trees.
For Bowker MINI in Blackburn, Daniel Gibson said: “All our staff live locally. Many of our staff enjoy the Ribble Valley countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Bowker MINI already supports a range of local charities and organisations. But we wanted to build on our volunteering and charity partnerships; especially when it comes to helping the local area.”
For Bowker MINI in Preston, Peter Turner added: “With the Ribble Rivers Trust, there are many different activities and options to interest staff. We are promoting the conservation work in our Centre and to our MINI owners; encouraging them to get involved too!”
The Bowker MINI volunteering pledge also forms part of a national initiative launched by MINI UK called Big Love. MINI retailers nationally have submitted a unique Big Love pledge. Each pledge is an ongoing commitment to each retailer’s local community. This simple promise encourages centres to build partnerships with local organisations, like The Ribble Rivers Trust, to deliver help and support.
The Ribble Rivers Trust is a local charity working to improve, protect and promote the River Ribble for both people and wildlife. Based in Clitheroe, the Trust works with the public and private organisations to deliver river improvements. Projects can take place across the entire Ribble catchment for the benefit of local people and the environment.
Jack Spees, chief executive for The Ribble Rivers Ribble Trust, said: “Our team of Ribble Rivers Trust volunteers are incredibly important to us. They are the vital work force we need to help deliver our projects, and the eyes and ears of this vast area! It’s great news that Bowker MINI staff will be joining us.
“With over 3,114 miles of rivers and streams in the catchment there is always a lot to do. Bowker MINI staff will enjoy the great outdoors and meet like-minded people, as well as gaining experience and learning new skills.
“All Bowker MINI’s help is appreciated. Their volunteers will be able to do as much or as little as they can manage. We can’t be everywhere at once. But, with a dedicated team of volunteers on the ground, we can get pretty close!”
Organisations interested in volunteering for the Ribble Rivers Trust can find out more here by visiting ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer/
This Easter weekend, all Bowker Motor Group Centres are open for Sales and Aftersales, view all opening times below.
Opening hours for over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
sales opening hours
Service and Parts opening hours
To make an enquiry or request a call back, please Click Here to contact us.
We are delighted to announce that we will be attending the Lancashire Business Expo on 25 March, so we thought we would give the event organisers, Shout Network, the chance to experience the MINI Electric for themselves!
Shout Expo Director, Jordan, was excited for his weekend with the MINI Electric and having never driven an electric car before he wasn’t sure what to expect. We always find that you can tell someone 100 times about how fast the MINI Electric is off the mark, and how it handles like it’s on rails, so we weren’t surprised when we received a message 10 minutes after he collected the car saying, “It sure is nippy, it surprised me even after what you said!”
Jordan had a busy weekend ahead of him, with trips around Lancashire in preparation for the Expo. Following his activity on social media, we saw Jordan make a trip to Preston North End Football Club, Winckley Square and Preston Docklands to name a few.
Here is what Jordan had to say about his experience with the MINI Electric:
“Having a usual preference for larger cars, I was pleasantly surprised at how roomy and luxurious the MINI Electric felt. It had an intuitive dashboard with all the tech you’d expect from a leading automotive brand such as MINI. The MINI Electric was an impressive, smooth drive and very responsive on the road. This was my first experience of driving an electric car, so I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. I was surprised at how simple the charging was and how the car handles. The whole experience has certainly made me an electric car convert!”
Are you interested in test driving the MINI Electric, and seeing how it could work for your business? Book your test drive* today.
Alternatively, you can nominate a business for the MINI Electric’s next adventure by filling out the form below.
*Test drives subject to applicant status and availability.
Learner drivers in Clitheroe will be amongst the first in Lancashire to take driving lessons in a new electric MINI.
Bob Devine of Clitheroe School of Motoring has become the first driving instructor to buy an electric MINI from Bowker in Blackburn. His new MINI electric will be available to students to drive later this month.
After picking up his new MINI from the Bowker MINI centre on Trident Park in Blackburn, Bob Devine said: “I’ve driven MINIs from Bowker for more than 16 years now. When the MINI electric was launched last year I was immediately curious. Then I drove one – and wow! It was so smooth! I started to wonder how my learners would react if I bought one. I asked followers on my business page how they would feel about learning on an electric vehicle. And the response was extremely positive.
“I had no issues about switching over to electric. The automatic transmission is more popular than ever with learners. In fact, many tell me they may never need to drive a manual transmission vehicle. I have two children who, when old enough, will both learn in the automatic electric MINI. Now the driving industry as a whole is starting to adapt; ready for the future.
“The fuel costs alone are at least a third of my previous diesel/petrol car. That’s before you factor in road tax. The range is perfect for my business and lifestyle needs. And the environmental benefits are the icing on the cake.”
The MINI Electric delivers 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds. Bob will charge at home or at one of the increasing number of over 11,000 public charging points.
For Bowker MINI, Adam O’Neill, said: “Bob has been a valued customer for many years. He is one of an increasing number of drivers taking an interest in our electric and hybrid models. We hope that Bob’s students will love driving his new electric MINI as much as he does.”
The growth of the EV market is expected to accelerate in the coming years as the UK prepares itself for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. By the end of 2022, it’s projected that electric cars will outsell diesel and mild hybrid diesel.
Have a question about your MINI? We’ve put together some of our frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re after you can submit a question using the enquiry form.
To contact Bowker Preston located at Preston Docklands simply call 01772 761234, alternatively you can contact them online here.
To contact Bowker Blackburn located at Trident Park on the Ring Road, simply call 01254 274333, alternatively you can contact them online here.
The opening hours for Bowker Preston MINI are as follows:
A full service for a MINI might be scheduled every 12 months if you use your vehicle a lot and record relatively high mileage, or around every 10-12,000 miles. Compared to an interim service, a full service covers more vehicle checks, such as air filter maintenance, door locks and spark plugs.
When your MINI requires a service a service icon will appear on your dashboard. If you have added your MINI to the app you will be sent a notification, you will also be able to book a service via the MINI App.
You are always welcome to bring your vehicle in so that our service department may perform an actual key read on your vehicle to let you know if it is due for service.
The cost of a service can vary depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Bowker MINI offer a bespoke discount* on vehicles over three years old. Learn more about our Bespoke Discount click here.
Both Bowker Preston and Bowker Blackburn have service Centres with trained MINI technicians. Book your appointment or contact us today for a quote. Call 01772 761234 for Preston, or 01254 274333 for Blackburn.
The price of an MOT at Bowker MINI is just £46.85. Not only will you be leaving your pride and joy in the safe hands of an expert MINI Technician, but they will take it through 150 rigorous checks and only use Genuine MINI Parts for any repairs.
Unsure about when your MINI needs an MOT? Click here and enter your vehicle’s make and registration number.
Yes, you can part-exchange your current MINI for a new model, and the good news, it’s really simply and our team are here to assist you with any questions you have. So, whether you’re looking for a fully Electric, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel or a Petrol MINI we have what you’re looking for. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect MINI for you.
Why not use our Finance Health Check to see what your vehicle is worth?
Selling your MINI is really easy! We’re are currently looking for MINIs to add to our Approved Used stock. Our valuations are quick, accurate, and reflect the condition of your car at the time of inspection. Holding a full MINI service history will improve the value of your car.
Yes, at Bowker MINI we offer Complimentary Finance Health Check, regardless of the make or model of vehicle you currently own. Why not see what your vehicle could be worth?
With the MINI App you can plan journeys more easily than ever before. Start from the comfort of your couch by planning your route from the app, then send it directly to your MINI’s infotainment system so you’re ready to go. Plus, you can use the MINI App on your smartphone to track down where you’ve parked and even check whether you locked your doors. And when your next service is due, the app will ping you a notification to remind you to get booked in with your local Bowker MINI Centre.
To add your MINI to your MINI App, first make sure you have downloaded the app. When given the option to login or register. Once this stage is complete and you have logged in, enter your four digit pin to complete authentication.
You will then be able to add your MINI onto the App using your vehicles VIN number.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Submit your question and we will get back to you.
*Ts&Cs apply. Bespoke discount not applicable for any additional work required. Please contact us for more information.
MEET YOUR MINI SPECIAL EDITION.
Find a car that’s as unique as you are. Meet the MINI Editions. Delightfully detailed and inspired by our rich heritage of motorsport and design, these special edition MINIs for 2022 are a unique reimagining of our current models, packed with unique exterior styling, striking body colours, dynamic trims, and stylish interiors.
Above all, these special edition MINIs are all about Big Love – the optimistic MINI attitude that sees beauty in individuality, and the potential in creativity. All the MINI feels, but with an extra-special twist.
So whether you’re an individualist, free-spirt, wild adventurer, or understated stylist, there’s a MINI special edition to suit you.
MINI RESOLUTE EDITION.
UNMISTAKABLY RESOLUTE.
Time to make a statement. The MINI Resolute is the special edition Hatchback, Electric and Convertible that proudly wears our heritage on its sleeve, all the way down to its exclusive go-faster bonnet stripes.
- Rebel Green finish
- Pepper White contrast roof and mirror caps
- Exclusive Resolute Bronze design elements
- Sleek styling in Piano Black
- Cloth/leatherette upholstery in Black Pearl
Available for: 3-door Hatch, 5-door Hatch, Convertible and MINI Electric
MINI CLUBMAN UNTOLD EDITION.
STORIES UNTOLD.
Stylish, whatever your story. Chic craftsmanship is taken to the next level with the MINI Clubman Untold Edition.
- Sage Green finish
- Edition-specific bonnet stripes
- Exclusive Refined Brass design elements
- Sage Green MINI Yours Leather Lounge seats
Edition specific 18” - Untold Spoke Alloy Wheels
Available for: Cooper, Cooper S
MINI COUNTRYMAN UNTAMED EDITION.
ADVENTURE UNTAMED.
Adventurous, whatever the weather. The MINI Untamed is the rugged SUV.
It’s the MINI Countryman levelled up for even bigger adventures.
- Momentum Grey paint finish
- Roof Rails and mirror caps in Piano Black
- Exclusive Frozen Bluestone elements
MINI Yours leather lounge Highland Green upholstery - 18” Untamed 2 Tone Spoke Alloy Wheels
Available for: MINI Countryman and MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
UNLOCK THE MINI ELECTRIC. 11 – 2pm, Sunday 20 February.
MINI Electric looks like a MINI, but does it handle like one? Does it get you where you’d like to go in style and comfort? Is it easy to charge?
When it comes to something new, we all have questions. But why not ask someone who knows best?
At our MINI Electric event running between 11-2pm on Sunday 20 February, you’ll be able to meet Phil and Sue, at our Preston MINI Centre, and Ian, at our Blackburn MINI Centre. They’re genuine MINI Electric drivers, so if anyone has all the juicy gossip, it’s them.
They’ve been zapping about in their MINI Electric, and now having been Electric owners for a while, we think they’re the best people to be on hand to answer any of your questions, chat all things charging and share their electric experience with you.
We’ll also give you the chance to be in the driver’s seat* so you can feel the thrill of its instant torque for yourself.
And of course – it’s not an event unless there are refreshments, right? We’ll be serving up special MINI Electric cupcakes alongside tea and coffee from our refreshment bar.
To reserve your place at the event, simply complete the form below.
Terms and Conditions
*Test drive subject to availability and driver eligibility.
Built to journey big, the MINI Countryman offers cutting-edge tech and stacks of room. No other MINI is better equipped for adventure. And with our Plug-in Hybrid model, explore more with fewer emissions.
Don’t just take our work for it, Bowker MINI were proud to partner with Five Little Doves for a Big Family Day Out in the MINI Countryman. The local Lancashire family took to the road on their big adventure and visited some local hotspots – including a day trip with their four-legged friend, Oscar, to Yarrow Valley and an action-packed weekend at Ribby Hall Village. Here is what Laura and her family had to say:
“Last weekend we set off on our Mini Big Days Out to Ribby Hall and what a weekend it was! We are so lucky here in Lancashire to have some gorgeous places to visit and even luckier to explore them in the new Mini Countryman for the weekend! With 8.8 inch screen navigation, LED rear lights in a new Union Jack design, fully digital display cockpit and go-kart handling it really does have everything you could ever need from a family car. And, having never driven a Mini before, I was well and truly converted!! 😍
Our weekend was packed with festive fun – the big light switch on at Ribby Hall, visiting Father Christmas, a Beauty & The Beast panto plus a wander round the Wild Discovery zoo. It was such a lovely way to spend some time together as a family and somewhere we will definitely go back to! ❤️
Handing back the Mini Countryman at the end of the weekend was hard (my own car feels so boring in comparison!) but fingers crossed it won’t be the last Mini Countryman we drive – I’m ready for our next Mini Big Days Out adventure!! 🙌”
Are you ready for a big adventure?
To show you just how spacious and supremely fun a MINI Countryman is to drive, we’ve been exploring to find the best views, adventure, and fun for you to enjoy on a Big Day Out of your own. We’ve scouted out some locations we think you’ll love to visit:
Whether you choose to visit one, two or all the locations we’ve picked, it’s set to be an amazing day experiencing all the MINI Countryman has to offer. Book your test drive today and get ready for your Big Day Out*.
*Test drive subject to availability and driver eligibility.
A Lancashire rescue dog is leading a North West car retailer’s national crusade to produce and share the best video in the country on social media.
George, abandoned by previous owners 9 years ago, has made his acting debut in a video that celebrates the feeling motorists get when they collect a new car. The video is representing Bowker MINI in Blackburn and Preston in a national competition.
The video also features George’s owner and fellow acting debutante Jess O’Neill. Jess is a marketing executive at Bowker Motor Group. Together they demonstrate a motorist’s experiences from the moment she wakes up through to picking up her new MINI Electric and driving it for the very first time. The MINI Electric was launched in March 2020 and it is the first fully-electric MINI.
Bowker Motor Group marketing executive Jess O’Neill said: “George and I loved the challenge of acting in the video. George is very special to us. He is so cheeky and I think that glint in his eye comes through in the video footage. He’s not really used to the limelight. But he took his first acting and filming experience in his stride.”
The video is the automotive retailer’s entry in a national competition for MINI retailers to develop influencer content then shared on each retailer’s social channels. The video will be judged for creativity and innovation alongside others from throughout the UK.
Bowker Motor Group marketers teamed up with local creatives Sam Mellor from Mellor Media and photographer Scott Clarkson who filmed the video together. It was shot over a day and a half in locations throughout Lancashire including Pleasington, Preston City Centre and Wrea Green.
Four finalists will represent the UK and Republic of Ireland in the global competition.
Earlier this year, Bowker MINI centres beat off competition from more than 130 other UK centres to win the Marketing Champion category at the MINI UK Retail Awards. Bowker MINI was the only retailer group located outside of the South to be shortlisted in the marketing category.
The first place finish saw Bowker MINI go one better than two years ago when they finished runner up in the same category.