‘Awesome Foursome’ Celebrate Training Success

Technicians at a First Stop dealership in Cornwall have earned a new nickname – the ‘awesome foursome’ – after their noteworthy performance on a tough training course. The quartet, from the St Austell and Bodmin branches of Steve Andrews Tyres, have each attained the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Level 4 Certificate in Management in partnership with Bridgestone UK. More than 30 people took the course, but the four men, plus just one other person, were the only ones to pass.

Thus, as well as being dab hands at carrying out a comprehensive range of repairs, the technicians have shown themselves to be equally adept at running the show behind the scenes as qualified managers. “The fact only five people passed the IMI certificate tells you what a demanding course it was, so to have all four of our guys amongst the successful candidates is quite an achievement,” said boss Steve Andrews. “The guys have proved themselves excellent ambassadors for the business, and the additional skills they have gained in completing the course will strengthen the team as we take things forward.”

The successful technicians are Brian Andrews and Dave Rowe from St Austell, and Dean Andrews and Simon Wills from Bodmin.

The IMI training covered areas such as organisation and administration, managing human resources and managing financial resources – all within the context of a busy tyre business. Understanding and interpreting motor trade legislation also formed a key part of the course, which is specifically aimed at employees looking to progress up the managerial ladder.

Carl Williams, business development manager for Bridgestone UK, commented: “Steve and his team operate at the very highest standards in every area of the business, so it’s no surprise Brian, Dave, Dean and Simon performed so admirably in passing the IMI management certificate. They embody the professional spirit that has made Steve Andrews Tyres such a pivotal member of Bridgestone UK’s First Stop network, and we’re happy to support the guys as they pursue careers in management.”