Staff Testimonials
Shown below is a small selection of some of the many success stories from within Perrys, provided by key level staff from across all areas of our business. As you can see from testimonials below Perrys recognise peoples' abilities and believe in providing training and coaching to promote personal development.
Stephen Eyre - General Manager
'This year is my 30th in the Retail Motor Industry, my entire career has been with Perrys starting as a trainee salesman, entering sales management in 1981 and general management in 1982. Since then I have managed five different dealerships and currently manage two Vauxhall sites at Doncaster and Swinton. 'Perrys is a progressive, forward thinking organisation with great career opportunities. I am particularly proud to have been involved in the development of many staff over the years who have come from humble beginnings to eventually manage high flying departments and dealerships. For those with the aspiration to rise to greater things, progression opportunities are frequent in Perrys. During my career I have never needed to move to a competitor to better my prospects, without doubt Perrys put people first.'
David Scott - New Car Sales Manager
'I joined Perrys as a Used Car Sales Executive in 1996 after 17 years with the NCB/British Coal. After training I began selling and found that Perrys' approach to used car retailing suited my personality. Within two months I was Perrys' top Sales Executive. After 18 months I left to join a rival Vauxhall dealer but found that the opportunities were limited. I returned to Perrys in 2000, again as a Used Car Sales Executive. In 2001 I was appointed Manager in the New Car department and since then have turned the department into Perrys top New Car operation.'
Sharon Woodmansey - Assistant Parts Manager
'My very first interview was with what was later to become this company in 1983 fortunately for them, I was given the job. Since joining Perrys my career has really taken off and my current position is Assistant Parts Manager. I have helped the parts operation at my dealership to be the biggest in Perrys. I am looking to develop my skills further and have just enrolled on an in-house NVQ course in team leadership.'
Darren Ardron - Regional Director
'My name is Darren Ardron and my current position is Regional Director. I Joined Perrys in December 1987 after working firstly as an apprentice Technician then afterwards at a British Steel plant. I joined the Company as a Sales Executive in 1987 and after two years, at the age of 21, became the youngest ever Sales Manager in the Company. Perrys encouraged me to go for this. They obviously had the confidence despite my age and invested substantially in the training needed for this role. After eight very enjoyable years I was then made General Manager of the same site and all it's 40 staff. Three years later the Company was involved in a major acquisition of two large Vauxhall dealerships and I was given the challenge to run these. These two operations probably represent the largest combined business within Perrys and employ approximately 120 staff with an annual turnover approaching fifty million pounds. Over the last few years I have been fortunate to work with some very talented people who have also progressed within the Group. If you have high aspirations and are willing to work hard for great rewards, then you should be talking to us.'
Joanne Furniss - Service Admin Supervisor
'At 17 years of age and at college I decided that I wanted to earn some money! I applied to what was then the Y.T.S. (Youth Training Scheme). My very first interview was with Kirkby Central Limited in 1983 and fortunately for Kirkby Central! I was given the job. It started off as a six month training scheme. My duties were to do the filing, go to the shop for the butties for everybody and make drinks all dayg. In early 2001 we all thought our careers had come to an end. The Receivers had been called in by Henlys' Motor Group. For two months we waited for "a buyer". Thankfully someone did actually want to take the dealership over - it was PERRYS! Since working for Perrys my role has become more involved as we now have other franchises and several departments to oversee on a day to day basis which makes my job very interesting and rewarding.'
Mark Grayson - Workshop Controller
'I left school in 1978 and took an apprenticeship with what was to become this company. The company changed ownership and relocated and I worked as a technician on Vauxhall cars,trucks and buses. In 1992 I applied for a position in the Roadlease subsidiary and helped with the fleet maintenance of vehicles country wide. I later took a position in the Dealership workshops in a hands on role and quickly established myself. I was promoted to controller responsible for a busy workforce of 10+,a position which is very demanding but rewarding as we constantly strive to maximise our quality service and productivity. It's only looking back like this that I realise I've been with the company over 25 years!'
Clair Beardshall - Sales Executive
'I started my working life on the checkout at a local supermarket and in 1997 joined Perrys as a marketing assistant. In February 2000 we lost two of our best sales people and needed urgent replacements. Perrys saw potential in me and although I had no experience, decided that they would prefer to train me and thereby promote someone from within the company. I joined the New Car Department two months later and now I.m one of Perrys best and most consistent performers. This year I won the Gold Award from Peugeot for Sales and a trip to Prague for exceeding sales targets.'
Kevin Calvey - Sales Controller / Assistant Sales Manager
'I have worked for Perrys for over 24 years, I joined as an apprentice vehicle technician in May 1979 and after completing a 4 year apprenticeship, worked as a master technician for another 6 years, during which I won 2 'National Technician of the Year' competitions. I then spent a short time in workshop control before taking up my current position of Assistant Used Car Manager in January 1989. I have therefore worked in my current position for 14 years, helping to build the department into one of the best in the group, selling over 2500 used cars a year from here. As a point of interest to anyone considering joining the company - There is only one limiting factor to progress in Perrys - YOURSELF.'
