Developing your career
 |
 |
| Helen Jameson HR Manager |
Louise Robinson HR Supervisor |
Colebrook and Burgess recognise the utmost importance of developing our people.
If you join us, your training and development will start with a personalised role-specific induction programme. This will be relaxed and informal as well as informative. It will help you understand the company, meet the people you will be working with and help you to understand your role in detail. During your induction you will be allocated a 'buddy'. This person will be on hand to offer help and support to you once your induction programme is complete.
You will be given the opportunity to discuss training regularly. This will happen during your induction as well as throughout your settling in period. Every employee has an annual appraisal, and in some roles there are also regular Performance reviews, when your development and training options will be discussed.
Each year we run an internal training programme - this consists of personal development programmes such as Motivation, Delegation, Assertiveness and Time Management. We also work closely with the Audi Academy, who provide brand training of the highest standards in areas such as Product Knowledge, Technical Expertise, Management Development and so on.
Kevin McKeown – Dealership Accountant
I started with the company as a Graduate Trainee in 2007. I spent the majority of my time within the accounts department, learning how the company manages the day to day financial responsibilities. Initially there was little pressure on me which allowed me to gain a better understanding of how the department supports each dealership and helps employees on site to perform their duties better. I also spent time out on site. Seeing how the company works from both a head office perspective and the centres gave me a greater appreciation of how financial matters affect each area of the business.
Alongside my day to day responsibilities I have also been completing a professional chartered accountancy qualification for which I will soon sit my final exam. The company has supported me greatly throughout the course, both financially and allowing me time off to study. The qualification provides me with the theoretical skills to perform my duties better and I draw on this knowledge on a daily basis.
I am now a Dealership Accountant managing the financial aspects of two Audi centres. My primary focus is on providing accurate and timely information to operational managers and to my colleagues so they can make the best decisions for the company and any financial risks. Aside from this I compile the monthly accounts and supporting information for submission to senior management and the Audi brand. I believe the training and continued support that the company has given me will allow me to further develop my skills and career.
Thomas McAlindon: Head of Business, Tyneside Audi
I started with the company as a Graduate Trainee in 2002; this was set up brilliantly so there was no pressure to perform - I was just learning what went on in the various departments of the company. I still draw on that experience today; it's great to know so many people within the company so well, it helps me dramatically to work as part of one team. I also worked with Senior Management for about 9 months. This enabled me to see the business through their eyes too.
These opportunities alongside the Postgraduate Diploma I undertook, prepared me for management. Training from Audi complemented the postgrad; drawing on self-analysis - seeing how you perform and how you can improve. This all tied in to learning how to manage people.
I went on to become Service Manager and am now a Head of Business. I aim to develop people within my centre to become managers of the future and ensure everyone fulfils their potential. My primary goal is that our centre is the most successful and the highest quality, which I feel is a reflection on me. I feel Colebrook and Burgess have given me a great base of knowledge and experience to progress my career in the future.
Colebrook and Burgess Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
