As part of the US-owned Group 1 Automotive UK, this dealership can have extensive progression options for the people who work there, and is very focused on maximising their career development opportunities. 

AM Best UK Dealerships to Work For CTAOn average, employees at Southend Audi get 60 hours of training and development time a year. Every position is accredited by Audi and all employees have an individual progression plan. It has formal practices for succession planning, and uses mentoring and attendance of leadership training to develop its managers.

Although it has no unique internal communication tools, the team is updated quarterly by managing director Darren Guiver, who also gives formal recognition to employees of the month and staff achieving milestones in long service.

The importance of the team is emphasised. Every staff member has a bonus element within their pay plan, which is measured and rewarded on individual and team performance, dependent on the job role. 

Supervisors and managers receive a 360-degree performance review, where their juniors and seniors appraise their abilities, and all staff have an annual performance review.

Employees said in the survey that they love the dealership’s annual anniversary lunches, its employee car benefit scheme and that it holds employee of the month awards.

Employee benefits offered as standard include childcare vouchers, season ticket and bicycle loan schemes, eye care vouchers, legal and financial advice, retail discounts and death-in-service benefit, and staff can opt in for private medical insurance.