Stewart Rose marks 40 years of service with Bowker Motor Group

Bowker Motor Group has recognised Group Service Manager Stewart Rose for completing 40 years of continuous service with the company.

Stewart Rose from Clitheroe joined Bowker Motor Group on 1 June 1985 as an apprentice technician at the Accrington dealership.

Over the past four decades, he has held various roles including workshop foreman, technical adviser, and workshop controller before becoming BMW Group Service Manager, responsible for both the Blackburn and Preston Businesses.  

During his time with Bowker, Stewart has witnessed the business relocate twice and grow into one of the most decorated BMW retailers in the country.

This includes a series of national awards achieved by Bowker BMW and MINI Blackburn in aftersales. Between 2014 and 2018, the centre was recognised multiple times in BMW UK’s High Achievers in Aftersales awards. 

Stewart was part of the team that won BMW Team of the Year in 2015 and played a leading role when the centre was named Aftersales Retailer of the Year in 2016.

That same year, he received the individual title of BMW and MINI Service Manager of the Year, selected from more than 150 managers nationwide.

Stewart Rose said: “When I joined as an apprentice back in 1985, I never imagined I’d still be here 40 years later. But it’s been a great journey, and I’ve had the chance to work with some brilliant people along the way. The industry’s changed a lot, but the things that matter – good people, good service, and doing things properly – are still the same.”

As a former apprentice himself, Stewart has been a champion of inspiring younger colleagues’ career development. This included Bowker Motor Group’s apprentice programme, maintaining long-standing links with local colleges and supporting the development of future technicians. One of Stewart’s first apprentices was current Bowker Motor Group CEO Paul Bowker.

Jonathan Rogan, Bowker Motor Group director, said: “Stewart’s been with us longer than some of our staff have been alive! And that just shows how much experience, loyalty and calm leadership he brings to the team. He’s seen the business change beyond recognition, but he’s never changed his approach.

“He’s steady, genuine, and always wants the best for customers and colleagues. He really is one of a kind.”

Stewart is among the longest-serving members of staff at Bowker, and his contribution has been formally acknowledged by the company on previous milestones, including a celebratory hot air balloon ride for his 25th anniversary.