Notes from the meeting room: Chris Whitaker

Meeting chaired by:

Chris Whitaker, Chief People Officer, Lookers Plc

Why was the meeting called and who was in attendance?

The aim was to finalise our plans for the full, official reopening of our office – Lookers House in Manchester – as a collaboration hub for all employees. I’m delighted to say the meeting was attended by our HR leadership team, providing an opportunity to discuss how we’re rapidly and innovatively transforming the way we work and interact – for everyone’s benefit.

What was top of the agenda?

Our strategic goal: To ensure the success of Lookers House as a pioneering workplace solution, making us an employer of choice within the automotive industry. With the recent introduction of our hybrid working policy, we discussed how we can continue to build upon and embed this new way of working into the everyday norm here at Lookers, as well as ensuring the hybrid approach continues to support and improve the health and wellbeing of all colleagues across the group.

We also took time to reflect on the success of the project. A particular highlight was seeing our Change Champions from across different business functions come together to create a space that not only offers a sense of belonging, but represents our culture and has the technology to enable our colleagues to be the best they can be. 

What was decided as a result of the meeting?

After a lively and positive meeting, we agreed to move forward with our plans to officially open Lookers House in March alongside a board meeting. The opening day would feature a ribbon cutting ceremony and some words from members of our ExCo, with each of them also signing the bonnet of the feature electric Mini we have in the lobby. We agreed to invite those teams benefitting from hybrid working, as well as the Lookers senior management team. We also wanted to recognise and say thank you to the Change Champions who have been driving this transformational development, giving them a feel for the fantastic new space and an opportunity to be a part of the celebration of hard work and success of those involved. 

Any other business?

We also touched on the excellent progress we’re making in recruiting over 200 aftersales apprentices. Our new six-month Jump Start programme – which is creating 80 new ‘fast track’ sales roles across the UK and Ireland – is also now firmly under way following its launch in March. The feedback we’ve received from successful candidates so far has been really encouraging, so we’re looking forward to seeing this progress. 

When is the next meeting, and what is it about?

We’ll be following up key progress points on all matters discussed, including updates on recruitment targets as well as advancing plans to expand and enhance our range of employee benefits, which excitingly includes an EV salary sacrifice scheme. We have an excellent team that’s aligned to the business and motivated and focused on supporting our strategic plans, and I’m delighted to play a key part in leading Lookers’ transformational plans.

About the Company

Company: Lookers Plc

Head office location: Lookers House, Altrincham

Principal business: Automotive retailing and aftersales care

Number of employees: Over 6,500.