Major car donation to Uxbridge College Business School

Inchcape plc, the world’s leading automotive retail group, recently donated a transporter full of cars to Uxbridge College Business School. The cars will be used by the school’s Automotive students to help increase their practical knowledge and experience.

The donation was complemented by a visit from Inchcape’s Group Chief Executive André Lacroix, who discussed issues facing the motor industry with the students. The donation and visit form part of an Inchcape initiative that supports training within the industry, to further develop talented individuals for the future.

The 60 students, all BTEC National Diploma level 2 ages 16-19 and level 3's over 19's, debated future trends in the motor industry and heard how Inchcape’s innovative vision and strategy to become the world’s most customer centric automotive retail group is moving the company forward within the industry.

Inchcape, recently voted Dealership Group of the Year by Motor Trader magazine, invests heavily in training and development, and believes that educational establishments such as the Business School at Uxbridge College are crucial, not just to Inchcape but to the motor retail industry as a whole.

André Lacroix, Group Chief Executive of Inchcape plc said: “To secure the successful future of the company and indeed our industry, it is critical we help develop and also attract the right level of skilled people to the industry. Today I met many bright and energetic students who have long and exciting careers ahead of them.”

College Principal Rachel Davies welcomed Lacroix’s visit commenting: “This has been an important day for us. This is the first time the CEO of such a major company has visited the college to talk directly to our students. We very much appreciate the time André has taken to be with us today and the interest he has shown in the college.”

Caroline Jones, Director of Technology at Uxbridge College, welcomed Lacroix’s visit, which coincided with careers day at the school: "It’s been terrific to have André Lacroix here to talk to our business students - he really engaged them and taught them an enormous amount. We are delighted to have links with Inchcape in terms of both our agenda and the Government's in bringing education and industry together. André also did a great job of showing that while qualifications matter, softer skills such as good communication, presentation and punctuality are vital to anyone who wants to get on in a business career.”

”We would also like to say a huge thank you to Inchcape for its extremely generous donation of seven cars that will be used by apprentices in our motor vehicle mechanics workshop - it will certainly enhance their learning experience."

Nimisha Patel, a 19 year-old BTEC National Diploma student at Uxbridge College Business School said: “It was fascinating to hear from the CEO of one of the world’s leading automotive retailers. The presentation gave me a real insight into the business management of such a company. It was particularly good to have the cars donated so that the college can help us increase our practical knowledge.”