Volkswagen Financial Services (UK)

Jean Smith and Mike Todd our Joint Managing Directors at VWFS UK, recently recorded a special message to thank colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout 2024. They also shared their thoughts on the key focus areas for VWFS in 2025: 🚗 Supporting our customers in getting behind the wheel of VW Group vehicles with simple finance products. 🚗 Continuing to work as a collaborative and united team to face any challenges that VWFS and the wider industry may experience. 🚗 Accepting and embracing change while appreciating and respecting our heritage. At VWFS, we believe open communication is crucial in building a positive, collaborative culture that places our customers at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment of all our employees over the past year. As we reflect on this, we’d like to send our warmest festive wishes to those who celebrate.

As we wrap up VWFS UK's 30th anniversary celebrations, our 2024 undergraduates reflect on our rich history, inspiring culture, and the strong work ethic of our employees.   Cam King, Communications and PR Undergraduate said: “Having worked quite closely to the 30th anniversary campaign, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know colleagues from all over the business through their stories. It’s been a real privilege to join VWFS during this milestone and see what the company means and has done to colleagues, and equally it has been incredibly rewarding to provide colleagues with an experience and an opportunity to look back and feel proud of their journey at VWFS.”   Saanya Suraj, Commercial Performance Undergraduate added: “It's so inspiring to see how far the business has come, its resilience, and being able to hear from the people that made this possible.”   The insights shared by our undergraduates remind us that our 30-year history continues to inspire individuals as they look ahead to their careers. Thank you to our wonderful colleagues for sharing their stories with us for #30YearsofVWFSUK

Meet Lloyd Cattel, our General Manager of Corporate Communications and Colleague of the Month winner 👋 Lloyd led the celebration of VWFS UK's 30th anniversary with a campaign that celebrated VWFS UK’s history and recognised the people that have made the business what it is today. The campaign received fantastic feedback from colleagues across the business, recognising the hard work and dedication of Lloyd and his team.    Huge thank you for your support, Lloyd. Read his story below 👇 

Stephen Kenchington, General Manager, Retail Credit and Retailer Services, has been with VWFS UK for an incredible 25 years with all but two of those spent in the New Business Centre. In 1999, VWFS brought new business in house from Lloyds Bowmaker. Steve vividly remembers the exciting ‘switch on’ day and the first phone calls that came in from retailers. It was a great learning curve as the team grew and developed their processes to ensure we were best supporting our retailer partners. He also fondly remembers a time before compliance had its own dedicated team, when his son used to work in Payout whilst he worked in Underwriting and the ‘Kenchington report’ ensured there was no collusion between the two of them. A huge thank you, Steve, for your efforts that have shaped the New Business Centre to be such a pivotal part of VWFS UK. #30yearsofVWFSUK

What can we expect from the near future for vehicle ownership as our purchase habits evolve? 🗣️“As consumers continue to seek the latest and best driving experience, the way they purchase vehicles is also changing. So, with more options available than ever before, including the emergence of car subscription services, the future of vehicle ownership is evolving.” Mike Todd, CEO at VWFS UK, shares his thoughts on the direction the automotive industry is moving in, how consumer preferences are shifting to experience the latest vehicles, and what is next for an altering car ownership landscape. Read more ⬇ https://lnkd.in/ezG3W48g

Recently, Corporate Account Manager, Amanda Harris, along with some colleagues in the Fleet Sales & Marketing Team at VWFS took a break from their usual day-to-day routine and volunteered their time at Animals in Need, Northamptonshire ⭐ Animals in Need is home to hundreds of animals who rely on the care and support of amazing volunteers. Our team of animal lovers were eager to help look after the animals, from dog walks, cleaning out bird aviaries, mucking out horses, organising hay bales, and feeding some chickens 🐾 Amanda and her colleagues loved spending the day offering a helping hand to the brilliant staff at Animals in Need. Amanda commented, “we had a great day at Animals in Need Northamptonshire, and they were very appreciative of our support, it was a very rewarding experience.” We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues' commitment to supporting local causes this year and look forward to continuing to make a difference with more charity initiatives in 2025 👏

As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, Dianne Pumfrett shares her experience and acknowledges how VWFS’s flexibility and understanding have been key to balancing her career and caring responsibilities.    From Dianne’s first role at VWFS working part-time during the evenings in Customer Operations, to her current role as Senior Customer Service Advisor, Dianne credits VWFS’s support for making it possible to advance in her career, while caring for her neurodivergent son.   Dianne says “VWFS has made it possible for parents like me to hold a job and to progress too. That wouldn’t be possible at lots of places.”    Now, she’s passionate about advocating for health and wellbeing, sharing her fitness journey with colleagues, and encouraging others to embrace the support available. Her story underscores the importance of open conversations and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. #30yearsofVWFSUK 

As part of our 30th anniversary series, Elaine Zdenek, Retail Customer Service Advisor, reflects on memories of her 40-year journey with VWFS.   Elaine has been with VWFS since its establishment, starting as PA to the first Managing Director. Elaine recalls how the personable and hands-on leadership in those early days was integral to the company’ s initial success.    Elaine vividly remembers the busy months of recruiting and setting up departments, reflecting on the growth that defined the start of VWFS.    Elaine’s story highlights her enduring impact and the company's journey from its small beginnings to global success. Thank you for your 40-year commitment Elaine 💙   #30yearsofVWFSUK

Meet Katie Sheeham, our User Management Manager and Colleague of the Month winner 👋 Recently, Katie won our Colleague of the Month title as she has played a pivotal role in supporting the wider IT community to overcome major system change, helping to respond to a lot more communication traffic regarding access issues and queries. Huge thank you for your support, Katie. Read her story below 👇

During the company’s 30th anniversary, Group Sales Development Manager, John Preston is reminiscing over his 20-year career at VWFS UK.    Whilst some things have changed beyond recognition, something that remains the same is the importance of the valuable relationships that VWFS has with key retail partners.   John remembers the implementation of the first communication system that nurtured, informed, and transformed interactions with retailers… when the business moved from outdated floppy disks to a streamlined digital platform.    John has travelled up and down the country with VWFS and one of his personal highlights is winning Business Development Manager of the Year earlier in his career. Thank you, John.   #30yearsofVWFSUK