Industry Achievement Award for Harold Bowden. BMW Master Technician receives recognition

Harold has served 30 years with BMW qualifying as a BMW Master Technician in
1992. BMW requires all Master Technicians to re-qualify for Master Technician
status every five years which Harold has achieved three times, making him one
of only two people in the BMW dealer network to have done this. Harold was also
one of the first candidates to receive IMI ATA Master Technician accreditation
in 2005. He has also achieved the title of AAE (Advanced Automotive Engineer)
which is a special engineering grade awarded by the IMI.

Steve Nash, Director of Aftersales at BMW (UK) Ltd said "Harold's achievements
are exemplary by both BMW's and the industry's standards. He is incredibly
talented and dedicated and richly deserves the recognition that this Industry
Achievement Award provides."

Derek Woodman, Company Chairman of the Derek Woodman Limited dealership in
Blackpool commented "I am delighted that Harold has received this award from
the IMI. Harold's extensive experience ensures that our customers are receiving
the best levels of service possible. His success also illustrates the clear
career ladder available to those technicians who have the drive and ambition to
be the best in their field. I am sure that in his additional role as mentor to
our young technical apprentices, Harold will be encouraging our apprentices to
follow his lead."

Editor's Notes:
Derek Woodman Ltd won the title of Dealership of the Year 2005 in BMW Group's
National Competition of Excellence. The Blackpool based dealership received the
highest score out of all participating BMW and MINI dealerships based on a
series of measures which tested product knowledge, customer service experience,
brand behaviour and area specific skills.

For further information and images please contact:

Natalie Wakefield - Group Communications Executive
Tel: 01344 480108
Email : natalie.wakefield@bmw.co.uk

Media Website:
www.press.bmwgroup.com