The Benfield Motor Group has presented its Directors Award to Ian Turnbull, of Benfield Volkswagen, Scotswood Road, Newcastle.

M Turnbull, aftersales manager at the dealership, was presented the award for "outstanding achievements in 2000".

One of his initiatives was the introduction of customer facing technicians which, Benfield says, has helped to improve communication with the customer.

Mr Turnbull (pictured) has also worked closely with Volkswagen UK to set up a process improvement team. This includes staff from all sectors of the business who meet to discuss customer feedback and staff suggestions and to make improvements where possible.

Mark Squires, Benfield chief executive, said: "Ian has worked incredibly hard and we are pleased to be able to recognise his efforts"

The Directors Award was introduced five years ago. Employees nominate colleagues.