Simpsons Skoda now has seven employees whose skills and talents in their respective fields have been recognised under a national automotive industry qualification.

Two more employees from Simpsons Skoda have their skills and talents recognised under a national automotive industry qualification.

Sales executive Lee Pull and service advisor Tom Chandler are the latest members of the Simpsons Skoda team in Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, to pass their exams to achieve accreditation in their respective fields. Accreditation is awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in partnership with Skoda and it means their names are entered on the IMI's Professional Register.

They bring the total number of Simpsons Skoda staff who are accredited to seven with three service advisors, two sales executives, service manager and sales manager.

Andrew Aldis, managing director of Simpsons Skoda, said the business planned to have all sales and service staff accredited by the end of the year with only one sales executive left to qualify.

The staff's achievements are part of a nationwide initiative by Skoda to put in place a programme of professional development for employees in non-technical roles at retailers. Enhancing their relevant skills, IMI accreditation is formal recognition of their abilities and, ultimately, designed to offer a better service to Skoda customers to help retain their business in the future.

Mr Aldis said: 'These key roles are all about knowing the product, being professional, relating to customers' needs and exceeding their expectations. Everybody at Simpsons is over the moon they have achieved their accreditation.

'Understanding what the customer wants from their new Skoda, and adapting to a customer's individual needs, is key and the greatest challenge.'