eStar Truck and Van

eStar’s Kate Howdon Highly Commended in British HR Awards Leader of the Year

Posted by: Caroline Burnell
Date: Apr 22 2022

Kate Howdon, Head of HR at eStar, the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van franchise partner in the North West and North Wales, has been awarded Highly Commended in the Leader of the Year category at the British HR Awards.

Kate Howdon Head of HR

The British HR Awards sets out to discover and celebrate the organisations and individuals that are truly passionate about delivering a world-class people experience. This year, just over 100 entries were received from organisations across the UK, and were judged by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from Aldi UK, Apple, Investec, KFC, People and Transformational HR, TalkTalk, and New Possible.

Kate received her Highly Commended recognition at a special celebration event in London on 21 April, hosted by comedian Sally-Anne Hayward, where she was also one of three HR professionals sharing her views on ‘the new normal’ in the workplace as part of an expert panel discussion to an audience of over 150 invited guests.

She said: “Thank you so much to Nate Harwood and New Possible for putting together a wonderful event for the British HR awards 2022. I was honoured to be invited to take part in the expert panel discussion on a panel of incredibly talented women, too,

“I was also very humbled and thrilled to have been Highly Commended in the Leader of the Year category. To be recognised in your field, for all the hard work and effort you put into people, the organisation and your career, and to be in the company of some very strong and talented finalists, really has been a wonderful experience for me and one that I won’t forget.”

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: “The British HR Awards have a single aim, to recognise the organisations and individuals that are shaping a new possible for the future of work. We believe that a great people experience is essential to building a healthy business and we’re immensely proud to celebrate the leaders that are being bold, transforming the people experience and helping to showcase the best of British HR.”

Kate has been in the HR sector for more than 15 years, across PLC, independent businesses, and not-for-profit organisations.

Ends

eStar Truck & Van, established in 2020, is owned by industry leaders, Sid Sadique, and Ali Sharifi, and employs more than 300 people across Warrington, Deeside, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, and Trafford Park.

As a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer, eStar can provide customers with everything from a small Citan van to a 44-tonne tractor unit, and are well placed to serve the business and lifestyle community, from adventuring families requiring eight-seater transport, to sole traders with a single vehicle, to major logistics fleet operators.

With extensive experience across electric and alternative fuels, the team at eStar is committed to supporting customers every step of the way along their journey to delivering greener products, services, and people.

For more information about eStar Truck & Van, please visit www.estartruckandvan.co.uk.

For press enquiries, please contact Caroline Burnell, head of marketing and communications at eStar, via 07876 217056 or caroline.burnell@estartruckandvan.co.uk.

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What do our customers say

“eStar's service was excellent."

eStar's service was excellent. The Sales Consultant was really attentive, paid attention to everything I was looking for, and found the perfect vehicle. They delivered the vehicle in person and took the time to provide a comprehensive overview of all its features and functions. I couldn't be happier.

Andy MillicanRetail customer

"If ever I need them... they’ll always bend over backwards"

Flexible, customer-focused aftersales back-up is, therefore, more crucial than ever to the smooth running of our business. I’ve built up a very good relationship with General After Sales Manager Gareth Williams and his team at eStar Stoke, and know that if ever I need them to juggle things around they’ll always bend over backwards to accommodate us.

The service provided by the Dealer’s Truck Sales Consultant was also first-class. He’s a great guy and clearly understands what we need from a chassis.

Paul MullingtonTransport Manager

"I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen so far of the Dealer"

We’re an environmentally conscious business so I’m hoping that this is just the start of an ongoing relationship with eStar as we transition away from diesel and into more electric vehicles.

Certainly, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen so far of the Dealer. Its Van Sales Consultant clearly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to the technology. He’s been very informative and helpful throughout, while our eVito Tourer was delivered right on time.

Drew CampbellGroup Operations Director

"eStar understands our business"

eStar understands our business and what we need in terms of back-up. Inspections and routine services are carried out at times that suit us, and if ever we have an issue we know the Dealer will do everything it can to get the vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. Communication is all-important at such times and eStar’s is excellent.

Phil BateTransport Operations Manager

"I've given them 5 stars as that's what they deserve."

The service was very friendly and professional. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I found the staff very kind and helpful. All the work carried out was excellent, I've given them 5 stars as that's what they deserve and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Also the building was super nice and clean which just makes the whole experience as pleasant as possible.

Dom BennettGoogle review

"HIGH STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH IS GRETLY APPRECIATED "

THE JOB WAS COMPLETED ON A FAST TURN AROUND, PROFESSIONALLY AND TO A HIGH STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH IS GRETLY APPRECIATED AS HAVING A TRUCK OFF THE ROAD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CAN HINDER MY OPERATION.

John BairdResponse Logistics

"They understand the impact on when our vehicles breakdown and the downtime this has on our fleet"

eStar always deliver a excellent service. They understand the impact on when our vehicles breakdown and the downtime this has on our fleet. The pre planned maintenance is always delivered to a very high standard from the moment the booking is made to Vehicle arriving on site . A 5 star service to the service Department , Parts and workshop they are a good team who will always deliver the best . Well done!

Stephen HallRecovery North West

"what wonderful, sweet kind helpful people"

We were stranded with the motorhome and found this mercedes star garage what wonderful, sweet kind helpful people helped us get back on tract. Thankyou very much. The Brown Family. The Netherlands

The Brown FamilyThe Netherlands

" Can only recommend these as a company"

Excellent service from these, had my van in for service and warranty work and they where spot on, Lauren was great on reception as there was a part back order and kept me updated throughout the whole process.
Can only but recommend these as a company.
Many thanks

GeeGoogle Review

"Worth driving nearly 200 mile"

Excellent service, friendly and knowledgable staff, worth driving nearly 200 miles. Will be back

Garry DaviedGoogle Review

"Now thats what I call service"

Excellent service, very friendly and helpful parts department,thankyou eStar you got me back on the road... I would just like to add...part ordered on Friday despatched from Germany. I received a phone call to say my part was available for collection on Tuesday...Now thats what I call service.

Gavin SmithGoogle Review