Vertu Motors has announced the latest winners from its retailer awards, recognising outstanding performance across its finance, sales and aftersales teams.
Craig Jones, based within the Vertu Jaguar Land Rover division, was named Company Colleague of the Year and received the Tom Fairgrieve Award, which honours one of Vertu’s founding directors.
Jones was recognised for his contribution to the JLR division and the wider group finance function over the past 12 months and for many years prior.
In addition to his core role, he took on further responsibilities including coaching and mentoring other Divisional Finance Directors and providing operational input to finance efficiency projects.
He also delivered the finance hub strategy within the JLR division through the successful implementation of a new hub at Leeds Land Rover.
Jones said: “This award is a real honour.
“Finance is often behind the scenes, but the impact we make is felt across the business.
“Over the past year, we’ve focused on improving clarity, efficiency, and collaboration, and I’m proud of how the team has risen to every challenge. It’s rewarding to see that effort recognised.”
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: “Craig’s depth of knowledge and ability to deliver under pressure make him an invaluable asset to the group.
“His leadership and commitment to continuous improvement are exactly what this award is designed to acknowledge.
“He’s played a critical role in shaping the financial strength of the business.”
Business Manager of the Year
Josh Kelly, business manager at Vertu Renault Bradford, was named Business Manager of the Year with competition from over 200 showrooms across the UK.
Kelly joined the group in 2021 as an advisor before being promoted to sales executive in 2023, where he consistently exceeded targets and earned a Masters Award for most used cars sold.
He was promoted to business manager in 2024 and joined the Elite Sales Guild, recognising him as one of the group’s highest achievers.
Kelly said: “This award means so much to me.
“Starting as an advisor just a few years ago, I’ve always focused on learning and improving every day.
“The support from my colleagues and the culture at Vertu have been key to my development. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to keep pushing for even greater results.”
Forrester said: “Josh’s professionalism, consistency, and leadership embody Vertu’s values.
“His journey from advisor to business manager in just three years is a testament to his ambition, capability, and relentless pursuit of success.
“He is a fantastic example of what ambition and hard work can achieve.”
Workshop Controller of the Year
Lauren Geary, workshop controller at Vertu Hyundai Mansfield, was named Workshop Controller of the Year.
Geary, who joined Vertu as a service advisor in 2018 and has held her current role for two years, was recognised for driving strong aftersales performance at the Mansfield site, which has consistently scored above average in customer satisfaction surveys.
Within eight weeks of her move into the workshop controller role, the service department recorded its best-ever month.
Geary said: “Getting a call on my day off to tell me I had won the award was a massive surprise, and I’m honoured to have been chosen – particularly considering the many talented people holding similar positions in Vertu dealerships across the country.
“I’m proud to be part of such a strong team at Hyundai Mansfield and to be recognised for the hard work that has helped to deliver such strong performances for our workshop in recent years.”
Forrester added: “Lauren has consistently shown high levels of performance, which have been instrumental to the ongoing success of her service department.
“Not only has she played a key role in the strong performance of the Mansfield dealership, she has also gone above and beyond to assist the wider Hyundai division as a whole, which is a reflection of her commitment to the business.
“She is outstanding in her role, and certainly a service manager of the future.”