Sherwoods group parts manager Andy Hodgson clings on to the Trade Club Cup which the North-East car dealership is hoping to retain as it again reaches the final of the national competition.
The Trade Cup
MOTOR spares staff have new drive this year as they fight to retain a prestigious national cup in memory of a friend and colleague who collapsed and died aged just 48.
Sherwoods staff have pledge to “do it for Dave” as they reach the final of the Trade Club Cup.
Last year the North-East motor dealer – which has operations in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton – won the trophy thanks to the efforts of Dave Carr, of Norton.
Sadly he collapsed after suffering a heart attack earlier this year and died on the way to hospital.
“He was an absolutely lovely guy and this left a very big whole in our lives,” said Sherwoods group parts manager Andy Hodgson.
“Dave was one of the driving forces last year that helped us win the cup. We all want to retain the trophy this year in his memory and as we go into the final will be doing it for Dave.”
Almost 300 Vauxhall dealers nationwide compete for the Trade Club Cup. They are set targets and judged on the amount of spare parts sold during the year, including oil, filters, brake pads, anti-freeze and batteries.
As well as selling to their own customers, Sherwoods supply genuine Vauxhall parts to almost 500 trade outlets.
Parts staff have successfully worked their way through league and knockout stages to find themselves in the national final against Evans Halshaw of Hemel Hempstead.
They have until the end of December to supply as many parts as possible. The winners will get the trophy and a £12,000 cheque which is divided among spares staff.
“We were set a new target based on our winning figures last year,” said Andy, of Redcar. “It increased 50 per cent so to reach the final is even more remarkable.”
