Dealership launches ambitious training scheme
A FAMILY-run motor group is bucking the trend of reduced budgets by launching an ambitious company-wide training scheme.
Harratts, which has 11 car dealerships across Yorkshire, said that the £175,000 scheme will see 60% of the 300-strong workforce receive tailor-made training by June 2010.
The firm, which recently opened its latest Honda dealership in Wakefield, has enlisted the help of training specialists 2Inspire to create the bespoke programme for 175 members of staff.
The latest venture, the largest and most wide-reaching ever to be undertaken by Harratts, will equip staff with human relations training, enabling the company to build on its reputation as customer service leaders.
It follows a highly successful pilot scheme amongst senior managers at the company.
Shaun Harratt, managing director of Harratts, said: “In a recession, many are tempted to pull back on investing in their staff but we are proud to buck that trend and launch what will be our most significant training scheme in our 40-year history.
“We pride ourselves on offering the very best customer service and we also boast a very high retention in staff and customer loyalty. However, while we’re very proud of what we’ve built since our founding in 1966, we are passionate about continually investing in our staff and this latest training underlines this commitment.”
Rob Northfield, key speaker at 2Inspire, said: “The company’s commitment to investing in people, rather than just seek to drive sales is reflected in the holistic nature of the training programme we have created and we know it will be of great benefit to all individuals and the company as a whole.”
