Emma Spedding

Head of Business -

When did you start working at Sytner Group?

I started working for the Sytner Group in February 2010 as a Sales Executive at Leeds Volkswagen – since then it’s absolutely flown and I really wouldn’t change a minute of it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far with Sytner Group.

If someone wanted to become a Head of Business, what key skills and attitude would they need?

As a Head of Business I think it is important to demonstrate a positive attitude at all times, I face challenges on a daily basis and for me it is key to hit them with a ‘can do – problem solving’ approach. One of the important factors for running a successful business is to lead by example at all times. I would never ask anything from a colleague that I would not be prepared to do my self - such as answering a reception phone if necessary or litter picking from the site.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of being a Head of Business is being close to a team and helping colleagues reach their potential. I love seeing people become great at their roles and progressing by providing them with the right environment, support and training. I’m also very competitive, so I always want my team to be the best it can be and there is no better feeling than celebrating your successes together.

Three words that sum up the people in your team?

Committed, motivated and focused.

What does your place of work do to help its colleagues maintain work-life balance?

At Bradford Audi we always try to take a flexible approach to our colleagues’ needs when it comes to time off, late / early starts, holidays and overall rota structures. I work with people to ensure they are getting the right work-life balance - obviously that has to run alongside the needs of the business to work effectively.

How do you know you are making a difference?

All of the team know I have an open door policy – I try to be as approachable as possible. This allows me to get feedback at all times from everyone good, bad or indifferent to improve standards for customers and colleagues. I have regular reviews with my Line Managers for their feedback and I have KPI’s across the business to gauge that I am / we are making the difference.

Can you tell me about the culture in your workplace?

The culture at Bradford Audi is very much ‘One Team’. I expect to see everyone working together at all times – we face lots of challenges as a team daily and life in a centre is lot easier and much more enjoyable if everyone works together. It’s also extremely important to have fun along the way and of course celebrate success.

How have you developed since working for Sytner?

I have developed a lot over the last nine and a half years working at Sytner. My confidence has grown and I fully believe that if I really put my mind to something and I put the hard work in alongside it, then I can achieve the goals I set myself. With every role I have had within Sytner, it has given me extra skill set that I have utilised with the next career move.

What’s been one of your proudest moments working at Sytner?

I have had a lot proud moments working for Sytner, I won Head of Business of the Year 2016, Retailer of the Year 2016 and more recently Head of Business of the Year 2018. It was great to be recognised for all my hard work and my teams hard work. Hopefully there will be a lot more proud moments to come.

What advice would you give to recent new hires?

The best advice I could offer would be to work hard, be positive, stay disciplined and build relationships with your colleagues. Anybody at all can have a fabulous career with Sytner if you are prepared to work for it.