Good training and investment in staff is proving priceless for Volkswagen dealer Barnards.

The dealership is reaping the rewards of staff development with the return of one of its most successful salesman in the role of sales manager, and an up and coming sales executive having just gained his qualifications.

At just 24 years-old, Stowmarket born and bred Craig Daniels, has returned to the branch where he began as a Saturday boy 10 years ago, to become sales manager, leading a team of six.

He said: ”Becoming a sales manager at 24 is pretty unusual, but I am loving every minute. I moved to another garage within the group, Ipswich Volkswagen, to train as an assistant sales manager, but once the opportunity arose and the time was right I couldn’t wait to get back to Barnards.”

Shortly after Craig’s return to Barnards the sales team was boosted by Adam Pomphrett, who has just successfully completed his sales qualifications and is now a fully-fledged executive as well as being a full accredited Service Advisor. Adam joined Barnards from Ipswich Volkswagen where he was trained by Craig. The pair gained a fantastic reputation for exceptionally high customer service whilst working together and upon Craig’s return he was keen to recruit Adam to join his new team.

Adam, also 24, and of Colchester, said: “Barnards Volkswagen has invested in completing my training. I take great pride in what I do and am proud of what myself and Craig have achieved whilst working together and I am looking forward to continuing this in the sales team.”

Craig added: “when I first started working with Adam he worked in the service department but it was clear to me that he had a natural flare for sales and I was keen to work with him and see what he could do. When he joined me in sales he was a very quick learner and delivered high customer satisfaction which was enhanced by his service knowledge. In less than 6 months Adam went from trainee to top performer where he stayed until his departure. I really look forward to watching him progress, and hope to see him take my previous title of UK Salesman of the Year at the Volkswagen Retailer World Championships in 2016.

Gary Halestrap, brand manager at Barnards Volkswagen, said: “We had to let Craig go and learn his new skills as assistant manager at the other dealership, but we are delighted to have him back as sales manager here and to bring with him someone with great promise is fantastic for us’

“ He got the job on merit and has brought his enhanced skills back to us. The enthusiasm and vitality of the team is clear under his leadership and Adam has just qualified as a sales executive and I am sure he is also going to do well.”

Gary added: “Two years ago Craig was the top salesman in the UK for Volkswagen and went on to represent Great Britain for the world title in Wolfsburg, Germany. He really has a flair for the job and really I should be quaking in my boots because I can see him knocking on the door for my job in the future!”