M Performance Specialist Mark celebrates 25 years
Putting the M into M Performance...
Meet Mark Evans, our brilliant Senior M Performance Specialist at Lloyd Blackpool BMW.
Starting his technical career back in 1999, Mark recently celebrated an incredible 25 years in service. Over the duration of his career with us, he has gained a wealth of BMW brand knowledge, repairing our vehicles to an exceptional standard, as well as passing his expertise onto our next generation of BMW technicians.
Read on to hear his standout moments as he looks back on the last 25 years…
Hi Mark, congratulations on 25 years. Can you tell us about your career with Lloyd?
“I began my career with the dealership when it was still Derek Woodman in 1999, and I’ve been with Lloyd since they took over in 2006. Once Lloyd came on board, I developed a real passion for M cars. I was fortunate enough to be selected for BMW’s M Technician training, which I completed successfully. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of being the M Performance Specialist here in Blackpool. Overall, I’ve been working on BMWs for over 30 years.”
What has been your standout career highlight from the past 25 years?
“A standout highlight from my career over the past 25 years has to be attending the M4 launch in Istanbul with BMW. As an M Performance Technician, I was lucky enough to be part of that incredible event. It’s an experience I still talk about to this day!”
What do you enjoy most about working at Lloyd Blackpool?
“What I enjoy most about working at Lloyd Blackpool is the strong family atmosphere. Bryan Lloyd often stops by for a chat during his visits, and it’s clear he genuinely cares about his staff. We have a fantastic team here in Blackpool, and I really enjoy the day-to-day banter with my colleagues. Recently, I was given the opportunity to coach and train a new apprentice, Josh. While I was initially a bit apprehensive, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see him grow and succeed in his new role.”
Can you talk us through a typical day in your role as Senior/M Performance Technician?
“One of the things I enjoy most about my role as Senior/M Performance Technician is the variety. One day I might be diagnosing and fixing a rattle on a car, and the next I could be fully stripping down and rebuilding a BMW M5 engine. No two days are the same, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”
What has been your favourite model to work on?
“I don’t have one standout favourite over the years—every time a new M car is launched, it quickly becomes my latest favourite! That said, I do have a soft spot for the E39 M5 and the E46 M3 CS.”
What advice would you give someone looking to start their career within the industry?
“My advice would be to go for it! The motor trade offers a wide range of opportunities, and there are so many different paths you can take. I’ve seen people start in one role and move on to something completely different within the company. For example, we’ve had members of the valet team transition into the workshop and aftersales staff move into sales.”
"I would also mention how the technology in cars has evolved massively since I started, especially with the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles. It’s a complex and dynamic industry with plenty to learn and training to complete which changes every year and there is always a new challenge to tackle. In fact, there are times I feel more like a computer programmer than a technician!”
On behalf of everyone at Lloyd, we would like to congratulate Mark on reaching this incredible milestone and thank him for his continued passion, committed and expertise over the past 25 years, Lloyd Blackpool BMW would not be the same without him.
