Meet Our Team MembersMeet some of the people who are key to the success of our business.
Alex Brooks - Apprentice Technician - Ford EastbourneI joined Birchwood Ford as an apprentice in 2019, straight from school. I attend college on a weekly basis, and I work alongside experienced Technicians who help me develop job specific skills. Being an apprentice has enabled me to learn about something I am passionate about. Since joining, I have completed my Level 2 Apprenticeship and have continually received great feedback from my college. I have now progressed onto Level 3, which has given me a greater understanding into why issues can occur and involves learning more about vehicle diagnostics. Additionally, I have completed Hybrid training, which has expanded my knowledge and expertise in the field. This training has allowed me to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in vehicle technology and has given me the skills necessary to diagnose and repair hybrid vehicles. I have built up my confidence, and I am fortunate to be part of such an experienced team. I believe I have an exciting future at Birchwood.
Aimee Rayner - Senior Service Advisor - Ford HastingsI have worked at Birchwood as Service Advisor for three years. I was looking for a new venture after spending the previous five years dog grooming. I saw the role online, applied and here I am. Over my time at Birchwood, I have attended family fun days, charity football events and even the fantastic awards night. I love this aspect of Birchwood as it makes me feel part of a family, not just work colleagues. My latest achievement was being promoted to the role of the Senior Service Advisor at Ford Hastings. I feel very valued to have been given this opportunity and I cannot wait see what the future holds.
David Whitton – Transaction Manager - ŠKODA EastbourneI started my career in the motor trade back in February 2018 when I joined Birchwood Ford Hastings as a Sales Executive. Before this my background involved various management positions in different industries such as hospitality, finance, retail, and advertising. Despite always wanting to work in the automotive industry, and having a strong passion for cars, I struggled to get my foot in the door at other car dealerships because they were always looking for prior experience in vehicle sales. When I applied for the job at Birchwood, they saw potential in me, acknowledged my transferrable skills and proceeded to teach me everything I needed to know about how things are run in the industry – and I haven’t looked back since! Not only do I love the way the cars look, feel and sound, but the people are fantastic. I’ve always been able to speak to my colleagues and managers alike – whether it’s a work related or personal. Leaving Ford Hastings was an extremely difficult decision with Pete (Brand Manager) building a family mentality. In January 2022, I felt ready to take on greater responsibility and was appointed as the new Transaction Manager at Birchwood ŠKODA in Eastbourne. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a new team and I am positive that I can help the dealership go from strength-to-strength.
Andy Lade - Parts Supervisor - Head OfficeI joined Birchwood in 2003 and have worked my way up from being in the warehouse, checking off the Ford delivery and other general warehouse tasks, to being part of the phone office team dealing with trade and retail customers. From working in the phone office for many years, I became the Parts Representative for the department, I am now the Parts Supervisor. I enjoy working at Birchwood Eastbourne, we have a great team here and I feel lucky to have worked here for as long as I have. I like learning new things about the job and trying to put that gained knowledge to good use. I am passionate about doing what’s best for the business and using my experience to help people where I can to the best of my ability.
Steve - Eastbourne Ford Car Sales ExecutiveSteve joined our Eastbourne Ford team in 2016. Having left full time education without a clear vision of what he wanted to do, Steve worked in a variety of roles such as the Hotel and Leisure industry, IT and even a period as a self-employed IT engineer. Eventually Steve started work as a general assistant at a Bingo Hall, quickly progressing to assistant manager in his first year and finally becoming the General Manager, a position he held for 4 years.
A common theme throughout all of his roles is the need to get on with people and Steve was frequently told how good he would be in a Sales role. He decided to combine his interest in cars with the opportunity to sell and applied for a trainee car sales executive position. Despite never having worked in sales before, Steve was an immediate success in the sales team and is now a full sales executive.
Steve really values working alongside motivated people and believes that the high motivation levels at Birchwood help everyone to succeed. With the reward and remuneration schemes on offer, Steve feels that his hard work is recognised rewarded with excellent earning potential.
Tom Hilton - Master Technician - Ford EastbourneI joined Birchwood in 2014 having previously completed work experience at Carrera Sport. Whilst at college studying for a Motorsport Engineering qualification, I worked part time at EMGC. I stayed with them once qualified and then moved to Birchwood Ford. During my eight years with Birchwood, I have built up qualifications from Service Technician through various specialisms to Senior Technician and now on to Master Technician. The people I work with are great and the job involves investigating faults and resolving the issues. This gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing they are fixed and the customer is back on the road.
Katie Jewell - Sales Admin - Head OfficeI joined Birchwood in 2016 as a Sales Administrator and was then given responsibility for the Mitsubishi brand. We used to ferry the deal bags back and forth in hard copy and there would very often be piles of them in boxes and by our desks. As a team, we have since streamlined systems and processes and, with the Accounts team, we are always looking to increase efficiency by working together, changing the way we work, and sharing information and knowledge. I like the people and the environment, from Technician to Manager, people talk to each other and understand that it’s very much a team effort.
Darren Ruff – Brand Manager – ŠKODA EastbourneBefore joining Birchwood in August 2018, I already had 30 years of experience in the motor trade; having previously worked for brands such as Audi and Volkswagen. Throughout my career I have gone from a Sales Executive to a Used Car Manager, then to Brand Manager at Birchwood Mitsubishi and, most recently, Brand Manager at Birchwood ŠKODA in Eastbourne. One of the main things that makes Birchwood stand out from other dealer groups is the people. The people truly make Birchwood, they are so friendly and will always smile and say hello as you walk through the showrooms or workshop. Since moving over to ŠKODA, as of January 2022, I have felt completely at home. It is a brand that I love everything about from the quality of the vehicles to the look and feel of the showroom.
Andy Wickham - Brand Manager - Kia WashingtonAfter leaving school I worked as an Auto Electrician for two years, I then started working in the workshop and bodyshop of a Renault dealership. I have now worked in the automotive industry for 18 years, working my way through from the workshop to Service Advisor, Sales Executive, Used Car Manager and New & Used Manager. The Kia Brand is excellent, and the manufactures are really helpful. I work with a great team, and we all work to help each other. There is no ‘them and us’ with the Service team, we all work as one.
Ashton Marshall - Sales Executive - Kia WashingtonBefore I started working at Birchwood, I had always grown up around horses and worked for a local race horse trainer located in Storrington training young horses. In June 2015 I Joined Birchwood as a Kia Service Advisor. Starting off in this role gave me the ability and the product knowledge of the Kia Brand. Two years after being in Service, I progressed onto Sales. My role as a Sales Executive is to help and guide customers to finding their new car and make sure they have a clear understanding of finance options. I don’t know where to start with what I enjoy about working here! Mainly it’s my colleagues which makes it so enjoyable, as we are like a big family. All the customers are lovely and, most importantly, the cars and the enjoyment we bring to customer when handing over their new cars.
Alex Brooks - Apprentice Technician - Ford EastbourneI joined Birchwood Ford as an apprentice in 2019, straight from school. I attend college on a weekly basis, and I work alongside experienced Technicians who help me develop job specific skills. Being an apprentice has enabled me to learn about something I am passionate about. Since joining, I have completed my Level 2 Apprenticeship and have continually received great feedback from my college. I have now progressed onto Level 3, which has given me a greater understanding into why issues can occur and involves learning more about vehicle diagnostics. Additionally, I have completed Hybrid training, which has expanded my knowledge and expertise in the field. This training has allowed me to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in vehicle technology and has given me the skills necessary to diagnose and repair hybrid vehicles. I have built up my confidence, and I am fortunate to be part of such an experienced team. I believe I have an exciting future at Birchwood.
Tom Hilton - Master Technician - Ford EastbourneI joined Birchwood in 2014 having previously completed work experience at Carrera Sport. Whilst at college studying for a Motorsport Engineering qualification, I worked part time at EMGC. I stayed with them once qualified and then moved to Birchwood Ford. During my eight years with Birchwood, I have built up qualifications from Service Technician through various specialisms to Senior Technician and now on to Master Technician. The people I work with are great and the job involves investigating faults and resolving the issues. This gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing they are fixed and the customer is back on the road.
Darren Ruff – Brand Manager – MG EastbourneBefore joining Birchwood in August 2018, I already had 30 years of experience in the motor trade; having previously worked for brands such as Audi and Volkswagen. Throughout my career I have gone from a Sales Executive to a Used Car Manager, then to Brand Manager at Birchwood Mitsubishi, Birchwood ŠKODA, and most recently, Brand Manager at Birchwood MG in Eastbourne. One of the main things that makes Birchwood stand out from other dealer groups is the people. The people truly make Birchwood, they are so friendly and will always smile and say hello as you walk through the showrooms or workshop. Since moving over to MG, as of October 2024, I have felt completely at home. It is a brand that I love everything about from the quality of the vehicles to the look and feel of the showroom.
Andy Wickham - Brand Manager - Kia WashingtonAfter leaving school I worked as an Auto Electrician for two years, I then started working in the workshop and bodyshop of a Renault dealership. I have now worked in the automotive industry for 18 years, working my way through from the workshop to Service Advisor, Sales Executive, Used Car Manager and New & Used Manager. The Kia Brand is excellent, and the manufactures are really helpful. I work with a great team, and we all work to help each other. There is no ‘them and us’ with the Service team, we all work as one.
Ashton Marshall - Sales Executive - Kia WashingtonBefore I started working at Birchwood, I had always grown up around horses and worked for a local race horse trainer located in Storrington training young horses. In June 2015 I Joined Birchwood as a Kia Service Advisor. Starting off in this role gave me the ability and the product knowledge of the Kia Brand. Two years after being in Service, I progressed onto Sales. My role as a Sales Executive is to help and guide customers to finding their new car and make sure they have a clear understanding of finance options. I don’t know where to start with what I enjoy about working here! Mainly it’s my colleagues which makes it so enjoyable, as we are like a big family. All the customers are lovely and, most importantly, the cars and the enjoyment we bring to customer when handing over their new cars.
Morgan Tattershall-Brown - Senior Service Advisor - Kia EastbourneI started working at Birchwood Kia as an aftersales advisor back in September 2021, and I'm now a Senior Aftersales Advisor. Before that, I spent almost six years working in retail at as a Sales Coordinator, but unfortunately, I was made redundant. After taking a short break in August, I applied for the aftersales advisor role at Birchwood Kia and was thrilled to get the job. Since then, I've learned so many new skills, from telephone etiquette to a much deeper understanding of cars mechanics. I really appreciate the friendly atmosphere in all the Birchwood Dealerships, not just the one I work in. When I first started, I was nervous because it was a completely new industry for me, but everyone at Birchwood Kia has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I feel like I'm part of a big family. Overall, I've had a great experience working at Birchwood Kia, and I'm grateful for all the opportunities they've given me to learn and grow.
