It’s a special anniversary for Kate Manners at David Manners Group as she celebrates 25 years working for the Classic Car Spares family business this year.
David Manners Group comprises of four of the most established market leaders in the car parts industry, supplying parts for modern and classic Jaguar & Daimler, MG & Triumph, Mazda MX-5, Classic Mini and Morris Minor cars, and for 25 years Kate has been at the heart of the action!
To mark this milestone, Kate tells us more about her journey at David Manners Group, the changes she has implemented, the highlights of her career and the trials and tribulations of running a family business.
Kate performed most of the jobs at the Oldbury based car parts family business, before being appointed Managing Director in 2011 and she has witnessed many changes. Initially the business consisted of just David Manners Jaguar parts and it now consists of five different brands all under one roof. Kate also saw orders change from phone and letter to more modern methods including emails, online ordering and eBay.
Since becoming Managing Director, Kate has overseen many pivotal changes in the operation. She created DMG, a more cohesive group for the four companies and what was originally a small management group consisting of Kate and two managers is now a management team of six, 3 team leaders and a warehouse coordinator.
Kate introduced staff wellbeing packages including a welfare allowance, the All About Me program and Birthday days off. Most recently Kate has introduced a health and wellbeing website designed exclusively for staff members to share experiences, ideas and healthy hints and tips. Kate keenly supports the work/life balance of her staff and encourages them to spend time with their families. Employees used to work 6 days a week, bank holidays and throughout Christmas. Kate has now extended midweek opening hours so that staff can have the weekend off to relax and they also enjoy a full Christmas and New Year break.
Kate is an advocate for supporting the community and local charities working closely with such organisations as Primrose Hospice, the Stroke Association and Black Country Women’s Aid, where she really strives to use her position within the company to make a positive difference to the lives of others.