MINI Milestone: Thomas Richmond Achieves Elite Accreditation at BMW Group Academy

With this achievement, Thomas is now officially recognised as an IMI and BMW Group Financial Services accredited Business Manager at Lloyd North Tyneside MINI. This is a significant milestone that reflects his dedication to professional growth, expertise in financial services, and commitment to delivering excellence within the automotive retail sector.

We caught up with Thomas and asked him about his experience...


Pictured left to right: Jamie Bingley - Lloyd MINI General Sales Manager, Thomas Richmond - Lloyd MINI Business Manager, Mark Robson - Lloyd MINI Brand Manager.

Congratulations Thomas. How does it feel to now be an IMI and BMW Group Financial Services accredited Business Manager?  
I feel a great sense of achievement and this marks a milestone in my career becoming accredited by BWM Group Financial Services. 

What was the experience like spending two weeks at the BMW Group Academy UK?
It was definitely an intense couple of weeks! The academy itself is at the De'Vere Wokefield Estate which is a great base for the course as the trainers describe it as an 'all inclusive stay' and they are definitely well catered to do so! 

What were some of the key skills or knowledge areas you gained during the training?
The main thing I got from the course is the importance of building a great rapport with customers as this really strengthens the relationship between us, the brand and the customer meaning overall the customers will get the best experience during and after the purchase. 

How do you think this accreditation will enhance your role or impact your day-to-day responsibilities?
The accreditation will enhance my role and responsibilities because it has given me extra insight into sales processes in order to maximise every opportunity but also ensure the customer has the best experience purchasing with Lloyd North Tyneside. 

What’s a typical day like for you as a Business Manager at Lloyd North Tyneside MINI?
My day begins with a meeting with the MINI Sales team where we discuss the activity for the day and where we are at with handover preparation. I then spend some time doing the tasks in the background to ensure that the process between the customer purchasing and collecting the car is as smooth as possible. I then spend the rest of the day assisting the sales team with all aspects of the job including speaking to customers, putting the deals together and calling customers who are due for renewals.

What do you currently drive?
I currently drive a MINI Aceman John Cooper Works. 

At Lloyd Motor Group, we’re always excited to see our colleagues progressing and achieving their goals. If you’re looking to begin a rewarding career in the motor industry, check out our current vacancies and become part of a team that supports your development every step of the way.

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