Peter Cooper Motor Group

• Background

Peter Cooper Motor Group (PCMG) is a family-run business with a strong reputation for excellent customer service and quality automotive services. Operating across Hampshire and West Sussex, the company has grown to nearly 270 staff and manages 19 different sites including Volkswagen showrooms, Prestige used car showrooms, Bosch Service centres, and a Volkswagen Battery Car Care Centre. In 2023, PCMG expanded by acquiring Viking garages via Kia, further extending its reach into Dorest, Hampshire and West Sussex.

For the past 8 years, Kiwi Education has been a key part of PCMG’s organisational culture. What started as training for automotive technicians has expanded into a comprehensive development framework across all departments, including customer service, marketing, accountancy, and leadership. This partnership aligns with Peter Cooper’s ‘Excellence programme’  which is an internal initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of staff through personal and professional growth.

• Challenge/Influence

PCMG recognised the importance of developing their workforce at every level, from sales executives and admin assistants to upper management. To address what they knew was important, they used our apprenticeships to upskill staff across various departments and multiple locations.

We helped PCMG address skill gaps and provided qualifications tailored to each role. Sales executives enrolled on customer service qualifications, while admin assistants completed our Business Administrator Apprenticeship. Even senior management benefitted from our Leadership  and Operations qualifications, highlighting PCMG’s commitment to staff development at all levels.

For PCMG, investing in its people is key to its success. The company believes that happy,well-supported employees create a positive ripple effect that enhances customer experience, leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Solution

We worked closely with PCMG worked closely with Kiwi to offer flexible apprenticeship programmes, that catered to the specific needs of the business. The training programmes were designed to not only develop the technical skills of the workforce but also create a happier, more engaged team.

By integrating our apprenticeship programmes with PCMG’s Excellence Programme, PCMG where successfully able to create an environment that is supportive and encourages both personal and professional growth. The flexibility of our programmes allowed staff to train while maintaining their regular work schedules, ensuring minimal disruption to the businesses.

• Result

For the employees :

Our apprenticeship programmes provided a clear path for career growth. One employee shared their journey from an entry-level role to completing a Level 5 qualification, thanks to Kiwi’s flexible, job-relevant courses. Employees gained invaluable management skills and a deeper understanding of leadership, allowing them to thrive in their roles while working around their schedules.

For the employer:

The investment in upskilling staff led to noticeable improvements in customer service and overall brand experienceEmployees felt more supported and motivated, which translated into better customer interactions. PCMG saw a rise in customer satisfaction and loyalty, reinforcing the company’s reputation for excellence. Additionally, offering apprenticeships across all departments helped the company retain skilled staff, build a positive work environment, and strengthen its culture of development.

The partnership between Peter Cooper Motor Group and Kiwi Education has been a key driver of the company’s success. By investing in flexible, tailored training programs, PCMG has cultivated a highly skilled, motivated workforce that is empowered to deliver exceptional service. This commitment to employee development has not only benefitted the staff but also enhanced the customer experience, reinforcing PCMG’s reputation for excellence. Through this collaboration, PCMG continues to foster a culture of growth and success for both employees and customers.

If you require any more information or would like any more advice about taking on an apprentice. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Call us on – Tel: 02380 170380.

Or email us on – Hello@Kiwieducation.co.uk