
Selling In The Motor Trade
Simon Bowkett, from Symco Training, shares tips and ideas on selling in the motor trade from a sales and aftersales perspective, as well as interviews with industry leaders sharing some of their best practices.
To find out more visit www.symcotraining.co.uk
Latest episodes

Jan 18, 2024 • 42min
Give People the Meat
What makes a great sales trainer? This is a question we get asked regularly, so in this episode we look at the qualities that Symco look for in people to join our team. Great trainers go on more training than their delegates to stay fresh and sharp, can engage an audience and are good communicators. These tips can help, not only if you are looking for a career in training but also public speaking or coaching your team. Here are the highlights: {02:14} What separates the good from the great {07:16} Look at your audience {14:30} Work in the industry {22:10} Get feedback from the audience {27:28} Give people the meat {39:07} Give credit About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Jan 11, 2024 • 15min
2024 Goals
It’s the time of year for goal setting, so let’s talk about some techniques that can help you. These tips can be applied to help with you goals in your career, home life and financial aspirations. A great episode to play in your sales meetings this month. Here are the highlights: {01:22} SMART Goals {01:47} Dream Goals {02:40} Process Goals {06:45} Magical Tip {09:05} Failure {12:10} Habit Forming About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Dec 21, 2023 • 35min
Christmas Special
This week we are trying something new for the podcast - a book club. Jason Cranswick joins us to review and discuss one of our favourite books, ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ by Dr Spencer Johnson. The book is about two mice and two little men who live in a maze, and you’ve guessed it, someone moves the cheese. It may seem like a simple story, and yes, it is a very easy read, but there are a lot of really important career/life lessons that can be taken away from it. If you are looking for inspiration for a gift this Christmas, then this might be just the ticket. Here are the highlights: {03:22} Leaders Are Readers {06:55} Which character are you? {16:25} Any privilege quickly becomes a right. {19:27} Fear of Loss {22:52} Prepare to Pivot {27:24} Winning and Losing About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Dec 14, 2023 • 28min
Focus on Failure - with Gareth Timmins
Our discussion with Gareth Timmins, former Royal Marine and author, continues this episode. We delve into goal setting, if visualisation works and how to cope with the post completion lull! So much here that can be applied to your everyday life, at home at work, with your finances or even in the gym. Here are the highlights: {01:03} Visualisation {01:48} Process Goals {03:20} Focus on Failure {13:37} Consistency {14:01} Post Completion Lull {21:22} Muhammad Ali About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Dec 7, 2023 • 34min
99.9% Need Not Apply - with Gareth Timmins
We are delighted to interview Gareth Timmins this week, he is a former Royal Marine Commando, and a successful author. Gareth shares his experiences going through military training, how he kept a healthy mental attitude and how he overcame hurdles along the way. A lot of the skills he learnt can be applied by anyone driving to succeed in their career and business. Here are the highlights: {02:37} Best of the Best {08:08} Starting a Diary {14:05} Gucci Stuff {19:37} Royal Marines Gym {24:30} Awakening {30:20} Life Sacrifice Ratio About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Nov 30, 2023 • 41min
“Happy Staff = Happy Customers” with Sean Kelly
We continue with the second instalment of our interview with Sean Kelly – Managing Director, Vines Group. For Sean staff satisfaction is key, and with an attrition rate of less than 20% this year across the group (including technicians), he knows what he’s talking about. Luckily for us, he is happy to share the group ethos that keeps their team and consequently customers happy. Agency is coming to the Vines Group next year with Mini in quarter 4 and then BMW will be a year plus after that, so we get Sean’s take on agency and the future it holds. So many positives to take from our discussion, from succession planning, to management style and attitude. Here are the highlights: {06:10} Attrition Rates {09:12} Staff Benefits {14:38} Management Style {20:27} Succession Planning {26:32} Agency {37:30} Known for About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Nov 23, 2023 • 32min
“EV Drive Time” with Sean Kelly
Back by popular demand, we have another great discussion with Sean Kelly - Managing Director, Vines Group. In this the first episode of a two part interview, we discuss the rapid period of change in the motor trade, the impact of the economy and extended buying cycles. Sean has many years of experience in the OEM and dealer network, and also gives us his views on used car values, selling EV’s and looking after your customer. Some brilliant tips on the sales process in general and how to sell electric vehicles. Here are the highlights: {03:05} Rapid Change {10:19} Customer Buying Cycle {12:32} Demo Drive {13:23} Dead Money {27:30} ‘Range’ is Banned About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Nov 16, 2023 • 13min
Greatest Tips! (Part 5)
We carry on with words of wisdom from Dale Wyatt, Sean V Bradley, Kenneth Purdon, Umesh Samani and Jack Allman. This week features advice on measuring progress, referrals, listening skills, honesty and carrying out VHC’s early in the day. Here are the highlights: {00:37} Dale Wyatt {06:40} Sean V Bradley {07:46} Kenneth Purdon {08:26} Umesh Samani {09:33} Jack Allman About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Nov 9, 2023 • 20min
Greatest Tips! (Part 4)
We continue with our compilation of greatest tips again this week and hear from James Weston, Tom Stuker, David Manchester, Nic Verneuil and Joni Stuker. The focus is optimism and belief, account management, preparing your business for sale, adaptability and communication skills. Here are the highlights: {00:37} James Weston {03:07} Tom Stuker {08:53} David Manchester {15:25} Nic Verneuil {17:10} Joni Stuker About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Nov 2, 2023 • 14min
Greatest Tips! (Part 3)
Another episode of full of golden advice, with tips from William Brown, Tommy Gibbs, Robin Luscombe, Peter Smyth and James Voortman. Whether you are looking for inspiration, motivation or guidance, this episode looks at retailing, keys to success, aged stock and putting the customer first. Here are the highlights: {00:37} Peter Smyth {02:24} Robin Luscombe {04:18} William Brown {06:06} James Voortman {09:46} Tommy Gibbs About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk