Member Article

Senior appointments for Harrogate car dealership

Vertu Motors has appointed experienced motor retail professionals, Darren Binge and Stuart Porter, to senior positions at its Harrogate Volkswagen dealership, based on St James Retail Park, Knaresborough. Darren, 44, who lives locally and has worked in the motor trade in Yorkshire for 19 years, has joined the dealership as its Head of Business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Darren decided to invest in his career and undertook a Postgraduate Certificate in Automotive Management with Loughborough University, achieving a distinction. Stuart, also 44, begun his motor trade career in 2013 as a technician with Bristol Street Motors, which is part of the wider Vertu Motors plc group. As recently appointed Service Manager at Vertu Harrogate Volkswagen, Stuart has now joined the Group’s Vertu Motors retail brand. The Volkswagen site was acquired by Vertu Motors plc in January 2020, as part of a substantial deal to take up leasehold dealerships in Leeds, Huddersfield, Harrogate and Skipton, to expand the Group’s portfolio. Earlier this year, Vertu Harrogate Volkswagen – along with several other Vertu Motors dealerships – achieved National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Electric Vehicle Approved Status (EVA), which confirms that the dealership’s team have a thorough understanding of electric vehicles (EVs) and ensures customers receive the best advice when purchasing one. Darren Binge, Head of Business at Vertu Harrogate Volkswagen, said: “Having spent time getting to know colleagues from across the Group, it’s clear why Vertu Motors plc is so successful. There is a brilliant team of engaged colleagues, with the customer at the heart of everything we do. “I feel that large businesses, such as Vertu Motors, have a responsibility to support those less fortunate in our communities, so I am in talks with a number of local good causes to see how we can work together. There’s been some great ideas from my new colleagues and I’m looking forward to getting initiatives underway.” Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, said: “It’s great to have Darren and Stuart on board. Both come to the dealership with a wealth of experience, a strong knowledge of the local area and a clear drive to build the team. “I look forward to working with them as we continue to develop our business.”

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