Dealership opens despite crunch
A new £7 million car dealership finally opened its doors in Wolverhampton today. In spite of the recession, the Benham BMW showroom has created 30 jobs and was officially launched by the firm's longest-serving staff members.
A ribbon was cut by body shop controller Keith Timmis, senior technician Lee Stokes, after-sales manager Richard Bayliss and assistant aftersales manager Dave Yeomans, before all staff enjoyed a celebratory breakfast together.
The men have been with Benham since the original site opened in August 1993, apart from Mr Bayliss, who joined the first Benham branch in Liverpool in 1991 before moving to Wolverhampton.
The building in Lever Street is next to the company's existing base in Raby Street and has 20 new cars with room for 90 used vehicles. It is the largest city centre BMW showroom in the UK.
Director Steve Mills said: "We now have more scope to display 20 of the latest BMW models and have also greatly increased the range of approved used cars, with 90 now on display.
"The quality of our after-sales services have been improved with dedicated systems and service counters, a larger number of service bays and increased customer parking."
Co-director Nigel Payne added: "Having outgrown our old premises, I'm sure our new showroom and service centre will be well-received."
The company's Mini showroom is also open in its original location in Raby Street. Work on the new showroom began last March and bosses initially expected it to be complete by December. Benham employs 90 staff.
