Meet the Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria Sales Team!

On the 1st of August, we were thrilled to open the doors to Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria, the new name for Volkswagen across Workington, Whitehaven, Frizington and surrounding areas!

Now that we've settled into our new dealership, we’d like to introduce you to the team members who will be here to welcome you. Whether you're looking to explore the latest Volkswagen models or seeking expert guidance, our talented team is ready to deliver an exceptional experience. From seasoned professionals with years of Volkswagen expertise to enthusiastic new faces, each member is dedicated to making your visit smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. 

Keep reading to meet the Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria sales team!

Levi Kirkman, Retail Sales Manager

What drew you to becoming a Sales Manager at Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria?

“When I became aware of the opportunity, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of! I initially joined Lloyd Motor Group 10 years ago and have since gained valuable experience in management roles at other Volkswagen Group dealerships, so to be able to represent the manufacturer again, under Lloyd, is a fantastic opportunity for me. Volkswagen Group manufacture some of the best cars available, and Lloyd Motor Group is by far the best Dealer Group I have worked for, so the opportunity to represent both was a no-brainer!”


What's the best advice you've ever been given?

“I’ll always remember what my General Sales Manager said to me when I started my first management position in the motor trade: 'Never forget what it’s like to be on the shop floor, because the day you do is the day you become a manager rather than a leader'.  My management style is very people-orientated and, to me, it's important to make sure that the workplace is one which my team want to work in because, from that, the results should come!”

Barry White, Used Car Sales Manager

How long have you been working at Volkswagen, and what’s your favourite thing about the brand?

“I have been in the motor trade since 1998 and joined the Volkswagen brand on the 1st August 2006. Coincidentally, Lloyd Motor Group officially took on the West Cumbria dealership on 1st August this year, exactly 18 years to the day that I started! My favourite thing about Volkswagen is the consistency of updating the vehicle range with cars that quicky become popular with our customers”.


Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.

“I was recently decluttering my loft and come across some trophies that I won playing Rugby League for the Workington Town junior squad, Derwent Park Rangers. We won all four of the competitions: the League Title, Cup, Top 4 Play Off and the Seven-A-Side. Unfortunately my Rugby career was cut short by my horrendous lack of talent!”
 

Paul Schofield, Sales Executive

What does a typical day look like in your role as a Volkswagen Sales Executive?

“For me, the day starts the evening before. I like to plan ahead, making sure I do as much as possible in advance, which I believe produces better results. Every day is different, fast-paced, with no two customers are alike. I thrive from the variety and challenges each day brings.

"Everything we do is customer-focussed, and knowing I have assisted someone in a positive way provides me with lots of job satisfaction. There's a lot of activity that people don't see, from making sure our products are well presented (which is often done in the rain!) to completing paperwork and financial information. Again, the variety is what I enjoy”.


What's your favourite hobby or activity outside of work?

“Most of my time is spent coaching others in some capacity. I coach my daughters' football teams, training 2 nights per week, and matches take up most of my day off on a Sunday. I also hold community running and fitness sessions. In the little time left, I keep myself fit, spend time with my family, often follow Arsenal and enjoy reading and learning something new”.

Lee Chare, Sales Executive

What drew you to becoming a Sales Executive at Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria?

“I've wanted to work for Volkswagen and Lloyd Motor Group for some time now. Once I'd heard that Lloyd Motor Group had acquired Volkswagen in West Cumbria, I figured it was the perfect time to move on and work for a manufacturer and company I can truly believe in. I think the reliability and quality that the brand offers goes hand in hand with the height of professionalism that Lloyd Motor Group prides itself on.

If you could have a conversation with one person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be?

“One of my life long heroes (probably for all the wrong reasons) was the former F1 World Champion in 1976, James Hunt. I think just hearing about his life and antics from the man himself would be truly astonishing; to say he lived his life with the attitude "here for a good time, not a long time" would be an understatement”.

Simon Ullrich, Sales Executive

What’s your favourite thing so far about your role at Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria?

“My favourite thing so far about my role is the great Volkswagen products we currently have on offer, with more amazing products due for release - as well as the amazing team we have here and the welcoming I have received since I have been here”.

Tell us 2 lies and 1 truth about yourself!*
 

1. "I once did the Great North Run in under 2 hours with no training" 
2. "I once got roped into a 20-mile 200 obstacle assault course with staff from Lloyd Motor Group"
3. "I used to play for Carlisle Under 18s"

Noreen Coid, Cutomer Retention Manager

How many years have you worked in the motor trade?

“I have worked in the motor trade since 1975 - I started with British Leyland, then changed franchise in 1984 to Audi Volkswagen. Then in 2000, we moved to Lillyhall with Volkswagen & Kia”.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

“If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Australia to see my friend of 60 years. She went in 1988 and has been back home, but I have never been there yet”.
 

Patricia Straughton, Showroom Host

What's are you most looking forward to in your role as Showroom Host at Lloyd West Cumbria?

“I'm looking forward to meeting and greeting people, as well as taking on new challenges and getting to know the team".


What does your ideal weekend look like?

"My ideal weekend is spent with my family and friends, babysitting. I also love a good shopping trip and long walks with my dogs".

As a part of Lloyd Motor Group, Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria is dedicated to earning our customers’ loyalty by delivering market-leading vehicle sales and aftersales experiences that continually exceed expectations for our customers and their families.

Conveniently located in Workington, on Joseph Noble Road, just off the A595, our Lloyd Volkswagen West Cumbria centre offers an excellent range of new and used Volkswagen cars.