Cheshire Business Students Make Tracks In Motor Industry
Released on: March 04, 2011, 12:31 pm
Author:
ACF Car Finance
Industry: Automotive
West Cheshire College students demonstrated their business
sense after participating in a challenge set by local firm ACF Car
Finance Limited.
The market leading specialist used car dealer, welcomed Level 2 Business Diploma
students to the company’s headquarters for this year’s ‘Outstanding Business Student
Award’ presentations.
As part of the Business Diploma course, the college worked closely with ACF Car
Finance to create a bespoke business project, following on from the success of last
year’s competition.
The students were asked to present detailed proposals for the development of a
hypothetical ACF Car Finance used car dealership in the Chester area, offering one
lucky group the chance to win a £500 prize, paid in computer vouchers.
Three groups of students, aged 16 to 18, pitched their business proposals to a panel
of senior business executives, which included Managing Director of The Funding
Corporation David Challinor; ACF Car Finance Head of Motor Operations Mark Jones and
Nicola Sharpe, Assistant Manager of West Cheshire College.
The judging panel was looking for presentations that were thoroughly researched and
demonstrated creative ideas which could easily translate to a real business
environment. Presentations included advertising campaigns and budget reports for the
dealership and each group held a question and answers session at the end of their
pitch, allowing judges to dissect their business ideas.
The winning team included talented students; Susan Black, Daniel Dunning, Milon Miah
and Robynne Simpson, who were chosen as a result of their well-researched proposals
and strong presentational skills. The group impressed judges with their detailed
cost analysis and their recommendation that the ACF Car Finance dealerships, along
with other motor trade organisations, should seek to employ more female sales
executives to encourage female buyers, breaking down perceptions that dealerships
can be very male-dominated environments.
David Challinor said: “This scheme was created to provide local business students
with practical support and allow us to share our knowledge of the industry with
these budding entrepreneurs.”
Winning team member Robynne Simpson commented: “I’m delighted to have won this
challenge and to be able to put into practice the theory I have learnt at college.
As an extra prize I have also been selected to do a taster day with the company to
develop the skills I showed in the presentation.”
Mark Jones added: “The proposals were very thought provoking and we were really
impressed with some of the great ideas and suggestions raised by the students.”
The judges decided to award every student who participated with a £10 computer
voucher and have offered three students from the class a taster day opportunity to
develop their skills further and gain more real-life business exposure.
Now in its second year, the Outstanding Business Award scheme has proved highly
successful with local students and the company looks forward to continuing the
relationship with West Cheshire College and launching next year’s award in November.
ENDS
For further information on ACF Car Finance and car finance visit the website at: www.acfcarfinance.co.uk.
Contact Details: ACF Car Finance Limited. Registered in England number 4757280.
Registered office address: International House, Kingsfield Court, Chester
Business Park, Chester CH4 9RF.
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