UK Dealership wins first BMW Sustainability Award after installing solar panels

Abigail Beaney
Sun, 29 January 2023 a

(L-R) Alan Carr, Bowker Motor Group director Chris Eccles, Michelle Roberts, BMW UK Marketing Director and Edith Bowman (Image: Bowker Group BMW)

A motor group has won the first-ever BMW UK Sustainability Award after being the first dealership in the county to install solar panels.

BMW UK presented the award to Bowker Motor Group, with BMW and MINI centres in Blackburn and Preston, at a ceremony in Liverpool.

The award was one of the national BMW UK Retailer Awards and recognises the family-owned group's commitment to sustainability. The award also acknowledges Bowker’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The BMW UK Awards were presented at the ACC Liverpool by comedian Alan Carr and TV presenter Edith Bowman.

Director Chris Eccles said: "Thank you to BMW UK for this prestigious award.

“We are proud that BMW has recognised us for our commitment to sustainability, especially in the first year it has been presented.

“At Bowker, we take our responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment seriously. And we want to lead by example.

"This award is credit to the hard work and dedication of our staff. Now, more than ever, we'll continue to find more ways to reduce our impact on the environment. It’s up to us all to reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference."

In 2007, the Bowker centres adopted the 'Bowker SOS' (Switch Off Something) initiative inspired by the energy crisis of 1973.

Since then, the centres have recycled materials such as glass, cardboard, oil, and even rubber tyres to help the environment.

Recyclers reconstitute the tyres to reuse in flooring for children's playgrounds.

In 2012, Bowker BMW in Blackburn became the first car dealership in Lancashire to install solar panels on the roof of its Blackburn Centre.

At the time, the investment in 210 panels offered a projected saving of £420,000 over the next 25 years. With the spiralling increase in energy costs, this saving is likely to be even more.

An emissions saving of almost 500 tonnes of CO2 was also predicted.

The sustainability award also acknowledged Bowker for creating wide-ranging social value. The business demonstrated a focus on improving working conditions for employees and supporting the local community.

At work, the company is investing in new showers and changing facilities for staff. From wealth management workshops to professional development for managers, Bowker employees can count on support. And they have sourced uniforms from sustainable suppliers.