At first I was hesitant towards the Management Development Programme, not knowing what to expect and what it would deliver, thinking would it be just another course, however I couldnt of been further from the truth.

I was new to management and was hoping to learn new things, new ways of managing, leading, coaching and more and this is exactly what was offered. Every module had something different about my daily activity, providing real life examples and outcomes, offering ways of over achieving and maintaining a healthy, pro-active team. It provides support when dealing with difficult situations, guides you step by step through disciplinary and grievances procedures, something you dont deal with on a daily basis. Each module it facilitated by a General Manager who can talk through real scenarios and answer any questions you may have. This is a great way of meeting other colleagues within the Group, I made contacts who I now speak to regularly. I would strongly recommend anyone interested in this course to apply, I have learnt lots of new skills in all different management areas that I put in practice every day and now feel more confident about being a Sales Manager.

I am the After Sales Manager of Lexus Newcastle. My role covers all aspects of management within the dealership.

I have nearly 30 years of experience in the Industry and I have attended numerous training, coaching and counselling courses. I believe the MDP is without doubt the most beneficial personal and business development programme I have ever attended. The various modules are delivered in a very professional and relaxed manner which encourages learning with a common sense approach that is relative to real life experiences within our industry. From a personal point the MDP has highlighted precisely what is required to be a Manager of the highest standard. The skills, knowledge and understanding I have gained from the MDP has enabled me to strive to be the best I can’t From a business point of view what I have learnt and implemented from the MDP has had a very positive effect on the business which can be measured in the areas of staff satisfaction, customer satisfaction and increased profitability not only in my departments but the dealership as a whole. I strongly recommend and endorse the Management Development Programme.

I completed all MDP days in 2007 with the last one being in January 2008.

Although very apprehensive in the build up to each MDP, I always went away from the day with a sense of achievement. I personally found the days very rewarding. They have given me a new enthusiasm for my current position as Service Manager but also stimulated thoughts of future career advancement. The MDP has given me the tools and confidence to challenge issues that I may have previously avoided. I have tried to adopt something from each module through motivation, leadership and coaching, all skills I have learnt on MDP.

When I joined the JMG Group I had been previously been made promises about development and future prospect by other employers.

I have been refreshed to see that JMG live up to these promises and offer a diverse range of training that allows peoples of all levels to develop within the Group. As a member of the GMDP I have found the coaching, development and interaction with Senior Directors both stimulating and motivational. The process prepares you for challenges ahead as a General Manager and gives you an insight into our company that is priceless.

I am the Accountant for Sevenoaks Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Specialist Used Cars.

I have been with the Group for almost two years and attended the MDP during 2007, although I have a couple of modules to catch up on in 2008. I found the course has really helped me in what I do. It has opened my eyes to aspects of business life that I have only touched upon in the past, but particularly has helped me develop my relationships with my team and peers.

What can I say, training courses have never been my forte and was not at all looking forward to a year’s worth of them.......how wrong I was! It became enjoyable, educational, fun that was just the lunches!

I’ve taken a lot out of the M.D.P, I have more belief confidence as a manager within my dealership of which everybody can benefit across all Departments within the dealership. I would highly recommend the M.D.P course to any of my colleagues who want to develop themselves within the Group and hone their skills as a Manager. A very sincere thank you to you and your team for the time and effort that goes into planning that I’m sure some people don’t realise how much work there is.

Each module was very well delivered and varied, presented in a professional manner.

with appropriate injections of humour and levity in order to hold attention. Very informative and confidence inspiring ....................I have made a number of improvements at the dealership as a result of this training.

Following an initial assessment day, I was enrolled onto the inaugural General Manager Development Programme in May 2007.

The training was scheduled to cover three two day periods during which we learned management and leadership skills and change management. We completed various projects and reported back our findings to the rest of the group. There were eight of us on the course from various disciplines and locations within the company. I was the only Accountant and found that spending time with Sales and Aftersales Managers from other areas of the business was extremely interesting and very beneficial. Being given access to a personal executive coach was a fantastic opportunity and he has been very helpful in the sessions we have had. The two days I spent at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge (another Jardine Matheson company) was an amazing experience. I experienced it from a customer’s perspective as well as spending time with each of their line managers and the Hotel Director, learning their work ethos. To experience their attention to detail and the way they look after their clients and colleagues was something that cannot be taught and is something I will remember for many years to come. I have learned so much over the course and value it tremendously. It has been very intense but very enjoyable at the same time. I am very grateful for the opportunity to carry out the training and the work experience. Although the training was designed for General Managers, following the completion of the course, I was promoted to Divisional Financial Controller, the accounting equivalent. After being in my new role for two months, I have already put into practice many of the things that were covered in the GMDP.

The Management Development Programme – is not just another one of those many courses, it isn’t designed to be a “hindrance” to our normal habitual working lives/careers.

Even if you don’t know where you are heading and don’t have a planned career path, the MDP is there to help you develop yourself. As well as developing new managerial skills it also helps you re-define the way you think in your personal life and the way in which you interact with others. Watch out its full of surprises, you have a great deal of fun and meet some really special people both those attending the course and the trainers. The course takes you through a whole spectrum of modules, some you will excel at, some you will surprise yourself that you are good at from the re-action of others and those you dread. Rest assured its not like going to the dentist more like going to a theme park, its full of adrenaline rushes, both of the scary and really proud of yourself kind! For those of you who want to continue down the road of self-development it’s the course for you, for those who want to influence the people around you and become more understanding/caring person it’s still the course for you. For those of you who have a severe addiction to chocolate biscuits – it should carry a warning sign.

I attended MDP in 2007. I found it a great experience for new and more seasoned managers

helping with the situations that arise in our day to day businesses and giving a fresh perspective on some of the more out of the ordinary. I would recommend MDP as a essential tool for all managers looking to improve there overall business knowledge and staff handling skills. Great fun plenty of wine! (a bottle for the best action lan)

I have been with the group for just over 10 years now and have recently changed roles to that of Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive.

I attended the MDP during 2006 as it was suggested it may help me become more “assertive”, a particular skill I knew I needed developing in. When I arrived at the first MDP module, I was surrounded by numerous line managers and my initial thoughts were “oh my god, what am I doing here with all these senior people?” However it soon became apparent that everybody, at whatever level, had the same fears and we quickly began working as a team. Attending the MDP helped me in lots of different ways, in particular to build my confidence up. Tracey Hirst has a way of coaching you through particular situations and soon you find yourself doing things you would never have believed you would have ever done. The module I most feared was the Presentation Skills but this was actually the one that I enjoyed the most – not so sure the audience did though when I had them all joining in and singing Dolly Parton songs!! As a foot note, since being on the MDP I was told by one particular person that I had become too “assertive”, so I can only assume the MDP worked for me!

In summary the last 12 months for me has been about understanding and being able to capitalise on change, the change needed to take our businesses from good to great.

I have gained a real flavour of the General Managers role and Group expectations and seen the challenges faced daily. We recieved executive coaching which has helped me to question what I am about personally, what are my core standards and beliefs and equally the effect of those upon others. I have gained enjoyment and knowledge from books, something I always struggled with prior to this programme. “My Iceberg is Melting” book will be instumental in allowing me to manage change throughout my career. Knowing that every one has a part to play and how influencing skills can enhance task completion. Analytical review of data and using the information learnt has also formed a large part of the training. We had a great session with Simon (Group Operations Director) and Gill (Group HR DDirector) in a mock MPR, looking at the accounts from a different perspective. Not jsutifying the results but using the data to find clues for future enhancement. The case studies were great, we got the chance to practise our skills in a safe arena, as a result we started to see how our influence could and have now resulted in change within the Group. My confidence has grown over the past 12 months resulting in being able to communicate effectively amoungst my peers. Even though I was nervous I took great pleaseure in presenting at the Management meeting this year delivering a presentation I truly believe in. For me the pinaccle though was the time spent at the Mandarin Oriental, WOW!! This hotel is the culmination of everything discussed during the course. How one man can influence so many, how training and development can deal with diversity, how understanding data can make real gains and how great customer care adds value to their bottom line. A model business that demonstrates great leadership and vision. Post GMDP I intend to push the boundries by coaching and supporting my colleagues to develop their minds to be top achievers. To win is a state of mind, one we have to chose every day.

For anyone who gets the opportunity to attend MDP I can honestly say you and your department with truly benefit from it.

The courses which you attend once a month, cover many situations which occur in the every day running of the business, often from real life scenarios. Every time you attend MDP you have facilitators on hand from all areas of the business, such as General Managers, Solicitors, Accountants etc. to share their own personal experiences and to offer advice. The MDP is not like a training course, but more like a meeting that makes you think of different ways of looking at the situation. As a fairly new manager I feel the knowledge I have gained from MDP gives me the confidence in my everyday role. As you can see from the photo below I try now to get more involved with the sales executives and there customers for additional profit opportunities. I would just like to thank Tracey and her team for all the help and ongoing support. Enjoy and embrace.

I attended the Jardine Management Development Programme in 2006.

Having become part of Jardine Motors in 2004, Jardine offer real training in core relevant management subjects which really improve the way you work and help you to handle different situations whether they be good or bad. The Company provides excellent benefits and actively encourage their staff to improve not only their skills but also their attitude.

The whole GMDP Group were so impressed with the amount of commitment in time and effort the directors gave us.

Traditionally people get promoted from a job they were very good at to a new role which, by default they are going to lack experience and skills, however the GMDP has gone some way to equipping us with the tools to help with the new role. Items covered were Financial, Presentation Skills, Customer Care, 3 days spent in another Jardine Non-Car Business, a full day MPR review, also working within a small group and being observed by HR/Directors to find our own personal strengths and weaknesses, Separate session with an experience coach/mentor to help and guide on a one to one basis who outside pre arrange meetings was always on the end of a phone for help and guidance (and still is). As an individual my next task is to spend 2 weeks at Leeds BMW Service Centre to gain Service/Parts knowledge. A thoroughly invaluable experience if you get invited to take part in the next one don’t hesitate.

Having just completed the Jardine MDP I wanted to thank you and your team for a most informative and enjoyable programme.

I have learnt about the Jardine culture and the processes used by the company to moves us all from good to great. Hopefully I have improved my skills as a manager which will not only benefit me but also my team.

I have nothing but positive feedback to give about the MDP.

We don’t realise how lucky we are to have such an outstanding management training tool which allows you to get to know other people from around the Group while learning new views and opinions. The MDP was invaluable to me as later that year I was promoted to General Sales Manager for New and Used Cars and have encountered loads of things since that which the MDP prepared me for such as team building, training and coaching, performance management and unfortunately one disciplinary. The mood and atmosphere was very comfortable and made for ideal training conditions, nobody was put under any pressure and on most days there was reason to have a great laugh amongst new colleagues. I have since sent my two Transaction Manager’s on the same programme and they were both incredibly positive about it and I have certainly seen the benefits in the dealership as their people skills have improved massively. Many thanks from me and my team for the superb training programme

I definitely enjoyed the MDP. I think the one thing that held true throughout for me was the Company Values. JOLIP is something I use daily and I include it whenever I hold appraisals or staff meetings.

It has helped me through some challenges involving disciplinary, recruitment, restructure and motivating my staff. The one thing that has been a definite help is being able to demonstrate my abilities to my staff. This is not always easy to do, as you can too easily do the job for them !! I have learnt to coach and help people, develop themselves and take ownership through the challenges that are faced. Mainly on a practical level by taking a step back, evaluating the issue, and helping them work to an efficient and timely resolve using the resources available. I honestly don’t believe I would be here in my new role without the Company being behind me and your training and guidance !!

Having been chosen to participate within the GMDP for 2007, I was intrigued and excited about what the programme would be like and how much I would learn over the next few months.

It was rewarding to know after the original selection process how much time and money was to be invested into the programme by the company and directors and also Tracey. The first couple of sessions consisted of excitement, uncertainty and hard work. It was interesting meeting new people who were focused and wanting to progress with their careers. We soon became a tight group who were willing to share ideas, no matter how strange or obscure, and soon I found that I was learning new ideas and working ideologies not only through the GMDP, but also my peers – FANTASTIC!!! I would like to affirm that the value of the programme was priceless; I have developed significantly over the last 12 months. I feel that I am ready and confident for the next step in my career plan and am continuously open to all forms of development. I am proud to have been apart of the GMDP and recommend it to any one wishing to learn more about themselves, the company and being a General Manager.

As of April 2009 I will have worked for Jardine Motors 25 years. I feel it’s fair to say in those 25 years things have changed so much and the challenges have got tougher along the way, who would have thought when jokingly someone said 13 years ago, I am going to surf the internet there would be a massive explosion of people using computers and the internet?

6 years ago I was involved with a massive redevelopment here at Scotthall Leeds where we moved into temporary premises for 12 months whilst they demolished and built a brand new state of the art BMW/MINI dealership, the plan was when we moved back in, service would make 1 million pounds direct profit in the 1st year: Wow what a challenge. Fortunately for me whilst all this was going on the MDP (Management development program) was launched and the group of Managers I was with were the 1st to attend. At first I thought, I could do without this, well it was a blessing in disguise, each month for the next 12 months we all got together on the MDP and developed our skills in all areas of the business, it was also great because you met and shared ideas from other franchised managers and to this day we still keep in touch. Result Since moving back into our new business 5 years ago, we have achieved a direct profit of over 1 million pounds every year in service, trained many other members of staff on the MDP resulting in them becoming Managers in their own right or taking on more responsibility along with having 100% staff retention, a very happy workforce. I would strongly recommend MDP to any one with the desire to climb that ladder.