Awards, Partnerships, National Race Titles Community Support and an Electric Future

Awards, Partnerships, National Race Titles, Community Support and an Electric Future Porsche Centre Preston Celebrates Third Birthday

On Thursday 13 June in 2019 Porsche Cars GB managing director Marcus Eckermann joined more than 500 guests to celebrate the official opening of Porsche Centre Preston.

During the previous 18 months, Prestonians had watched the iconic metallic silver-clad centre take shape, helping to regenerate a busy area of Preston in much need of investment.

Three years on, we talk to Porsche Centre Preston’s centre principal, Tom Fox, about some of the highlights for the automotive dealership.

It was in early 2018 that Bowker Motor Group chief executive Paul Bowker first shared the news; he revealed that the family-owned company had been chosen by Porsche GB to represent them in Lancashire.

At the time, it was an excited Paul who revealed: “The brand needs no introduction to drivers. It’s synonymous with engineering excellence and the production of some of the most exciting cars on the planet. At Bowker, we have already established awardwinning motor retail experiences with some of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands and now we’re looking forward to building another exciting new dealership worthy of the Lancashire motoring community.

“I also believe that there are reasons for everyone, not just drivers, to be delighted that Porsche Cars GB Limited has chosen Preston as its Lancashire base. Porsche is a global brand and the decision to build the new centre is a huge endorsement of

the city’s commercial reputation and future ambitions.”

No-one could have predicted the uncertain times that followed. But the mix of Lancastrian enthusiasm, the transformation of a key Preston location plus the award-winning stewardship of the respected Bowker Motor Group offered the resilience and drive needed for success. In its first year, more than 10,000 people visited the new 43,000 square feet retail centre on Watery Lane in Preston.

Porsche Centre Preston centre principal Tom Fox takes up the story: “There was much pre-publicity around the centre; a real buzz about the new showroom helping to regenerate this area. At just under 600 people, Porsche told us our official opening celebration attracted a record attendance for a centre launch.”

Porsche Centre Preston was the 42nd in the Porsche Centre network in the UK, demonstrating a major investment in the Porsche business and the local region. The spectacular centre features a 35-car showroom and a 13-bay workshop. There are two customer handover bays; two direct dialogue bays which enable service advisors to demonstrate the scope of technical work from every perspective; and, also electric vehicle charging points.

The centre also offers the full range of Porsche services including new and approved pre-owned car sales, servicing, parts, a service loan fleet and a full range of Porsche demonstrators. A showroom display holds a wide array of items from the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection range of clothing and accessories. In addition, Porsche equipment personalisation options from floor mats to Aerokits are available and can be fitted on-site. AWARD-WINNING FROM THE START

From day one the team quickly set about building a reputation and relationships throughout the county. An award-winning commercial partnership between Porsche Centre Preston and two-star Michelin restaurant Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms in Aughton, West Lancashire was launched in September 2020.

With over 50,000 social media followers between the two businesses, they collaborated on digital content, bespoke VIP client events and services. They also worked together to cross promote relevant news and offers. Porsche GB recognised the initiative as the Best Partnership in the UK; noting the collaborative innovation and creativity.

At the same time, Porsche Centre Preston was ranked first throughout the country for all aspects of operation by Porsche GB. The centre received

a personal note of congratulations from Porsche Cars GB managing director Marcus Eckerman who acknowledged the team’s hard work across all departments despite the added challenges of Covid-19.

Tom reveals: “The two accolades were a credit to the whole team during a challenging period and only our first full year of operation. We were grateful to staff, customers and partners for their support. The partnership with Moor Hall was a great example. We were always optimistic we could work well together.”

In its first year, Porsche Centre Preston had created over 10 new automotive retail and technician jobs. One new member of the team joining in late 2019 was a former Our Lady’s Catholic High School pupil, who became the first Porsche Preston apprentice.

Described as the dream job for an automotive apprentice, 17-yearold Paddy O’Flaherty from Ashton near Preston enjoyed on the job training alongside approved Porsche technicians. Paddy regularly visited the Porsche vocational training centre in Shrewsbury for two weeks in every six. His course continues, and will take three years to complete in total; culminating in an ‘Automotive Retail Standard - Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician’ qualification. When he joined, Paddy said: “This is a great opportunity for me. Like everyone else in Preston, I watched the centre being built. It was exciting to see it take shape. Back then, I had no idea that this might be where I’d start work. I hope that one day my course will help me achieve a full-time role as a technician. I’ve already learned a lot. And every day I’m working with some of the most exciting cars on the planet.”

Whilst the new Porsche Centre meant a change for Preston, Porsche were also making changes with the launch of the first all-electric Porsche - the Taycan. The mission to expand electric mobility quickly followed. Porsche Centre Preston has played its part.

In October 2020, commercial partner Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms was officially unveiled as Lancashire’s first Porsche Destination electric vehicle charging point. Ribby Hall Village in Wrea Green followed as the Fylde’s first Porsche Destination electric charging point in 2022.

Ribby Hall Village and Moor Hall have joined an exclusive group of more than 3,000 destinations worldwide - with charging points listed locations on Porsche.com, satellite navigation system and Porsche App. Two local businesses - PEI-Delta Limited in Poulton Le Fylde and Preston-based Smart EV - joined forces to install the chargers.

Tom said: “The Porsche Destination charging programme means that - in addition to charging at public charging points; at home; and, at a Porsche Centres - Porsche electric and hybrid owners can also charge their vehicles at a global network of luxury hotels, fine restaurants and premium venues; just like Moor Hall and Ribby Hall Village.”

The investment in infrastructure continues. This year, Porsche Centre Preston became the first Porsche Centre in the UK to install new ultra high speed CBX 150kW Turbo charging points. Each charger takes only five minutes to give a Porsche Taycan enough power to travel 100km. Such is the high power charging available, the chargers have to be liquid cooled from a main control unit.

Tom reveals: “We were proud that Preston was chosen as the first Porsche Turbo Charger installation in the UK. Our new ultra high speed charging points offer a glimpse into the future of electric motoring here in the North West. This is the very latest technology meaning cars can be charged much quicker than before. And a fully-charged battery on the new Taycan, for example, is capable of a range of 225 miles.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN THE CENTRE AND ON THE TRACK

Porsche Centre Preston offers a wide open retail space with the backdrop of some of the most exciting cars on the planet. It is no surprise that it has gone on to establish itself as the perfect venue for partner events. Porsche Club Great Britain and business networkers have all enjoyed the pristine facilities.

Last November, more than 400 invited Lancashire racing enthusiasts packed into Porsche Centre Preston to celebrate UK racing driver Dan Cammish’s historic third Porsche Carrera Cup GB victory. As Dan’s lead sponsor, Porsche Centre Preston hosted the ‘Top-Gear style’ evening. The event was fronted by TV, BTCC and Porsche Carrera Cup commentator Tim Harvey who interviewed Dan on his racing career. The 991 GT3 Carrera Cup car and Porsche GB’s new-for-2022 992 GT3 Carrera Cup car were on display in the centre on the night.

Porsche Centre Preston’s relationship with the Porsche Carrera Cup GB drivers will continue this season too. The centre is sponsoring Angus Whiteside in his first season driving the Porsche Carrera Cup GB for the 2022 season. 25 year-old Angus will be driving for Rochdale-based Toro Verde GT professional racing team in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Last year, Angus won the Ginetta GT Academy; his first ever season in cars after previously racing karts for a number of years. Angus secured his rookie title with three races to spare. He even won the overall championship at the final round. Angus’s season highlight was when he took pole position at Snetterton by over half a second.

Tom added: “Angus is an amazing prospect. We are especially excited to be supporting him in his first season at this level. His performances so far give us every confidence that his Porsche Carrera Cup GB adventure will be a season to remember.

“Andrea, his mum, is a valued friend of the centre. So, there is an element of good fortune that we were able to support Angus. To be involved at this early stage of his career feels like a genuine partnership; with both him and his team Toro Verde. Like Angus, we are excited for the season to begin.” SUPPORTING THE COUNTY’S FUTURE

For Bowker Motor Group, sport has always been a perfect fit with the family’s local community support. And those long-held traditions have continued with Porsche Centre Preston.

The centre sponsor’s Fylde Rugby Community Foundation initiative encourages more local young people to participate in sport. The three-year deal to sponsor the Foundation’s Rugby Pathway Programme helps up to 25 young players each year, and 75 in total, to enjoy the benefits of rugby club membership. Each young beneficiary receives help with practical measures such as transport and kit. They also enjoy training support focused on a smooth introduction to playing rugby as part of a club.

The centre’s agreement to support Elite Performance Academy helps ambitious young local footballers to take their game to the next level. Elite Performance Academy is a private Preston-based professional coaching company offering high intensity elite level one-to-one and group sessions for talented young footballers. The academy focuses on technical skills whilst also developing tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their game.

But support for the local community goes beyond sport too. Last Christmas, Porsche Centre Preston donated a bumper bundle of food and necessities to The Foxton Centre in Preston’s Christmas appeal. Throughout December, staff, customers and suppliers shared donations. The Foxton Centre chief executive officer Jeff Marsh visited the centre to pick up the donated goods in person.

Tom Fox said: “As a proud Prestonian I know all about the great work of The Foxton Centre. For over 50 years they have helped to give the homeless a bed and a voice to people at the margins of society in our city. Their mission really struck a chord with our staff and customers; especially at Christmas. We were only too happy to help with their appeal. We hoped it would help to make a small difference.”

The difference to Preston and the wider motoring community in just three years has been anything but small. But, with an exciting focus on the future, it feels like Porsche Centre Preston is only just getting started. Porsche Centre Preston Centenary House, Watery Lane Preston PR2 1QJ Tel: 01772 911 911 www.porschepreston.co.uk