New general manager appointed at Bristol Street Motors Sunderland dealerships

Bristol Street Motors has appointed Verity Hall as general manager at Sunderland Vauxhall, in addition to its neighbouring Peugeot dealership.

Hall began her career within the motor retail industry as a sales executive at Bristol Street Motors Durham Vauxhall, before being promoted to franchise manager in Sunderland.

After completing the group’s Leadership Development Programme, Hall was awarded the 2021 ‘Sales Manager of the Year’ title at the company’s CEO Awards.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “We do not yet have enough women as general managers across the motor industry, but I’m pleased with the progress we are making within our own group.

“Verity is an example of the career path and leadership training we offer to all colleagues, and I am delighted that she has taken on this role. I wish her every success!”

Bristol Street Motors said it is committed to addressing the gender imbalance in the motor retail sector and has introduced initiatives, including enhanced maternity pay and career support for women.

The group said its ambitions to support and promote successful women is recognised through the brand’s Click2Drive Bristol Street Motors W Series Racing team, which competes in the all-female racing series that runs alongside part of the Formula 1 calendar.

In an opinion piece, Forrester revealed his take on why motor sport – and the alignment of Bristol Street Motors and Macklin Motors with Formula One, the W Series and British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), in particular – align so well his its brand value.

The group’s #TypicalWomanDriver campaign highlights and celebrates women undertaking driving roles in the workplace, Vertu said. 

Hall added: “I’ve been working alongside the very experienced Jass Singh for several years, developing myself and my skills, which have allowed me to progress to general manager.

“It’s going to be a big challenge and I have huge shoes to fill following Jass’s retirement, but the support I have received from my colleagues and senior managers has been amazing.”

As part of efforts to combat the soaring cost of energy, Vertu Motors is taking its car dealerships “off grid” in the second half of 2022.