L L O Y D

PLUS: A GENIUS VIEW. COUNTRY LIFE AND STYLE.

T H E M A G A Z I N E B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y L L O Y D N E W C A S T L E

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ON THE ROAD.

LLOYD

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w.co.ukWith Lloyd Newcastle.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Issue 2

Lloyd Newcastle

HOW’S YOUR DRIVING?

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a novice, at Close House our Driving Range and newly-opened PGA Academy complement our 18-hole Lee Westwood Colt

and Filly Courses and our 9-hole Yearling Course, making it the perfect place to improve your game or hold your individual or corporate day.

WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM

ONLY A SHORT DRIVE FROM THE CENTRE OF NEWCASTLE

HEDDON-ON-THE-WALL NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE15 0HT

TEL - 01661 85 22 55

EWCASTLE

GolfAcademyCLOSE HOUSENEWCASTLE

Welcome.BMW is a high-achieving brand that inspires a lot of loyalty and is always ahead of the game. True to form, the past few months have seen several new models come to market, such as the new 2 Series Convertible, the new X1 and, within the space of the same few weeks, the new 7 Series which takes luxury to the next level.

We’ve looked at these and more for this issue, going behind the scenes and under the bonnet of some of BMW’s most exciting and innovative cars. We’ve also been out hitting the road with interesting characters from sporting greats to local luminaries of the legal and financial world, talking about what they drive and what drives them.

The centre has transformed a great deal; we have a great team of people here and this is driving growth in both our performance and, more importantly, our customer satisfaction.

The response to the first issue of Lloyd magazine has been hugely positive - I was delighted to see someone reading a copy very recently, proving that people are happy to keep it around. So we hope you enjoy this issue just as much, as a reflection of our approach as a business; not a sales pitch, but rather a representation of who we are, what we’re about, and an open invitation to come and talk to us.

Michelle Caveney, Head of Business Lloyd Newcastle.

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classical made modern

www.thewaterhousehexham.co.uk

| kitchens

Kitchens, Furniture, Bathrooms & Interior Architectural Design.Discover true quality and genuine design at our new showroom:The Waterhouse, Burn Lane, Hexham, NE46 3HN T: 01434 647112

Lloyd magazine Nov15 v4 BLACK.indd 1 04/11/2015 09:22

LLOYDM A G A Z I N E06 LLOYD LIFE.

Comings and goings at Lloyd Newcastle.

08 IN THE FAMILY WAY. Behind the scenes at your centre.

10 TAKE YOUR PICK. BMW’s xDrive, M2, i8 and i3 in focus.

12 SMOOTH BLEND. On the road with Lakes Distillery’s Nigel Mills

16 THE £100M MAN. A life in money, according to Peter Grieves.

20 COUNTRY LIFE. Looking good, the country way.

26 BILL BEAUMONT. On the road with the rugby legend.

32 HOLDING COURT. My favourite cars, with Toby Hedworth QC.

34 MASTERMINDS. A day in the life of a BMWi and Product Genius.

36 TAKE YOUR PICK. BMW’s 3 Series, M3 and M4, X5, and 1 Series.

38 ON THE RUN. Paul Whincup puts on his running shoes.

40 TAKE YOUR PICK. BMW’s X1, 7 Series, 2 Series, X5M and X6M.

42 THE LLOYD EXPERIENCE. The team guiding you at Lloyd Newcastle.

44 THE BODY BEAUTIFUL. Inside the Lloyd Newcastle Bodyshop.

46 BMW ACCESSORIES. The extras which make the difference.

48 CELEBRATE. Lloyd Newcastle events.

50 LUXURY LAUNCH. Five-star day trip to the Lakes Distillery.

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produced by publishing

Lloyd Newcastle Barrack Road, Newcastle, NE2 4LE tel 0191 261 7366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk

@NewcastleBMW /LloydNewcastleBMW

Contents...

©Offstone Publishing 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press.

Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AJtel 01661 844 115 www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

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RUGBY WORLD CUP BRINGS FRIENDS FROM OVERSEAS.

When World Cup rugby debuted in Newcastle with South Africa’s 34-16 win over Scotland at St James’ Park, Lloyd Newcastle welcomed representatives from BMW South Africa to enjoy the atmosphere.

The visiting group, which included 60 Heads of Business and Tim Abbott,

MD of BMW South Africa, attended workshops at Lloyd Newcastle, including one on the latest sales tools such as the CitNow personal video presentation service, and another focusing on the role of a Product Genius in advising customers on the best car for them.  

LLOYD LIFE. INDUSTRIAL

STRENGTH.

SHOWING OFF.

Lloyd Newcastle is strengthening its relationship with Queen’s Award-winning company AIS, a globally recognised specialist in industrial training employing 150 people. AIS attracts students from all over the world and has branded a number of areas at Newcastle Airport, where its presence is enhanced with a jointly branded BMW 4 Series GT, while Lloyd Newcastle has also conducted lunch-hour test drives for AIS staff.

The team from Lloyd Newcastle showcased some of BMW’s latest models at Northumberland County Show, which attracted a crowd of 25,000. The star of the show was the revolutionary BMW i8, the groundbreaking next-generation sports car combining electric power and a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine, which caused quite a sensation.

Bryan Lloyd, Michelle Caveney and Tim Abbott

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POP-UP PERFECT.Continuing the success of BMW’s Pop-Up Shops programme, Lloyd Newcastle collaborated with BMW Group and global events agency TRO on the first of three BMWi pop-up spaces around the country exclusively dedicated to the BMWi range of electric vehicles and lifestyle merchandise.

The BMWi pop-up space at intu Metrocentre was live for three weeks, with the award-winning BMW i3 and i8

vehicles taking centre stage at the store, which featured a living wall, a lounge area with coffee bar, a story wall with iPioneer customer stories on interactive screens, a kids’ zone with ‘buzzwire’ and other games, and a charging zone for mobile phones. Carl Sanderson, General Manager, BMWi, says: “Our BMW i Pop-Up Shops give visitors the chance to touch and feel the brand in an immersive, interactive environment.”

SHOWCASING THE BEST.Lloyd Newcastle took part in the inaugural NE1 Newcastle Motor Show with the BMW i3 and BMW i8 on display.

There were cars on display from Grey’s Monument down Grey Street, which was closed to traffic for the two-day event. More than 100 classic and modern cars were on show, and visitors also enjoyed driving simulators and games.

ON COURSE.

BACKING THE CHAMPS.

The Lloyd Newcastle Golf Tournament at Close House returned for its fourth year with more than 140 players. The teams played on the championship Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly courses, and the competitions concluded with drinks and a barbecue in the Lee Westwood Suite at the No. 19 clubhouse, where Lloyd Newcastle Head of Business Michelle Caveney presented winners with their trophies and prizes.

Lloyd Newcastle is once again sponsoring the shirts of Morpeth Rugby Club’s U13 squad, which in 2015 lifted the County Cup for the seventh consecutive year. “The boys love having the BMW roundel on the shirt like the England U16s, U18s and U20s,” says coach James Richfield. “It makes them look, feel and behave like a great team.”Morpeth RFC Youth Section trains every Sunday 10.30am-noon at its Mitford Road ground and welcomes boys and girls aged 6-16.

Golfers Peter Scholes, Nik Jones, Graham Anderson and John Bewick.

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FAMILY VALUES.

District in its name, this locally owned BMW and MINI retailer has been an integral part of the landscape near Grange-over-Sands for more than 26 years.

Simply taking a test-drive is a pleasure. With a successful team of experienced staff, supplemented with some new arrivals, the South Lakes retail centre has already become an integral part of the Lloyd Group, delivering the exceptional levels of customer service with which the Lloyd name is synonymous.

The BMW and MINI centres in Colne and Blackpool were also family-run businesses - Prestons and Woodman respectively. Over the past eight years since they came under the Lloyd name, both retailers have continued to develop, regularly achieving BMW’s ‘Holy Grail’ of five-star customer service standards and refurbishing their premises to ensure that their surroundings match their customers’ high expectations.

Supporting their local communities through sponsorships and charity connections, such as Rock FM’s Cash for Kids and Lytham Festival, all the staff at Lloyd Lancashire, as the two centres are collectively known, are focused on providing a friendly and welcoming experience to all guests to their showrooms.

Last, but by no means least, is Lloyd Newcastle, formerly Fawdington. Part of the Lloyd family since 1998, Lloyd Newcastle has recently extended its premises to showcase the ever-growing range of new BMWs as well as more than 150 approved used cars.

This expansion, however, has in no way diminished the personal service which its staff provide, starting with concierge Jon Roberts, whose jovial manner is guaranteed to make arriving at the centre a delight. It is often the case that big does not mean better, but in the case of Lloyd Group, the growth from one to 12 centres (six BMW and six MINI) has enhanced the firm’s professional yet local approach, bringing continuous improvement and, by employing local people, a drive to serve our centres’ communities effectively and with pride.

Discover the story behind Lloyd Group, one of the UK’s most successful family‑owned firms. The Lloyd Group is a rare breed. It is not often that large global brands are represented by family-run, local businesses, but that is still very much the case here.

Founded by Ralph Lloyd in 1964 and now run by his sons Bryan and Barry, the Lloyd business continues to grow, without losing sight of its roots or its values, showcasing premium motoring and machinery marques. Indeed, the third Lloyd generation is now active in the company, ensuring a bright future and continued evolution, going from strength to strength.

One of the keys to the success of the Group is that, when it has grown through the acquisition of other centres, it is family-run businesses that have been added. This ethos of providing the finest customer experience with a local touch is at the heart of the Lloyd philosophy, which is clearly valued by its many loyal customers.

From its roots in Cockermouth, where the original BMW centre was established in 1976, to its expansion from tractors to motors in Carlisle, where it still has BMW, MINI and other prestige franchises today, the Lloyd name is now known across the North of England and South of Scotland for its customer-focused and friendly approach, regardless of whether you are buying a car, a motorbike, a tractor or a lawnmower.

The latest addition to the Lloyd organisation is Lloyd BMW & MINI South Lakes, formerly Bateman of Lindale. In a stunning location, as befits a centre which now references the Lake

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KEY DATES.

1964 – Ralph Lloyd takes over a Ford tractor franchise in Carlisle, establishing R Lloyd Tractors .

1976 – Lloyd Motors begins with one centre in Cockermouth.

1986 – Lloyd Motors opens a BMW/MINI centre in Carlisle.

1998 – Lloyd Motors acquires Fawdington in Newcastle, now Lloyd Newcastle.

2007 – Prestons in Colne is added to the BMW / MINI portfolio, now Lloyd Colne.

2010 – Woodmans in Blackpool is added to the BMW / MINI portfolio, now Lloyd Blackpool.

2013 – Lloyd Newcastle undergoes refurbishment to create an ultra-modern, customer-focused retail site.

2015 – Lloyd Motors acquires Batemans of Lindale, now Lloyd South Lakes.

LLOYD LTD. The Lloyd Ltd head office in Carlisle.

LLOYD NEWCASTLE.

LLOYD CARLISLE.

LLOYD COCKERMOUTH.

LLOYD COLNE.

LLOYD BLACKPOOL.

LLOYD SOUTH LAKES.

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TAKE YOUR PICK.LLOYD NEWCASTLE’S GENERAL SALES MANAGER RICHARD SKINNER

GUIDES US THROUGH BMW’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND NEWEST MODELS.

30 Years of BMW xDrive.Until recently, we’ve perhaps taken for granted that our customers understand the term BMW xDrive. Put simply, this is the four-wheel-drive system that features on more than 20 models across the range, including the plug-in hybrid BMW i8. But it’s not a recent innovation, having first been introduced on the BMW 325i “Allrad”, 30 years ago.

Today, around one in three BMWs sold around the world are equipped with xDrive, which is included on models ranging from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series.

With the BMW xDrive four-wheel-drive system, each axle uses its traction to the maximum. In difficult conditions, such as wet or icy roads, more torque has to be applied to the road. That’s when Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comes into operation. In addition to improving traction, the system recognises the first signs of over- and under-steering.

Within a tenth of a second it distributes up to almost 100% of the engine torque to the front or rear axle via the transmission and an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch before returning to the normal 40:60 distribution ratio.

In short, it handles every twist and turn in the road, whatever the weather.

BMW M2 – New model. The design of the BMW M2 Coupé is inspired by BMW’s illustrious history in motor racing, signified by its low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and a low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system.

The interior, meanwhile,

possesses rare quality and sporting ambition. Sports seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure BMW M2 drivers are in control at all times. The compact M inline -cylinder engine in the BMW M2 Coupé offers impressive proof of the car’s strength, guaranteeing a breathtaking driving experience every time.

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BMW i8. The revolutionary BMW i8 is a new-generation sports car combining electric power and a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine, offering the incredible torque and acceleration of an electric car with a top speed of 155mph.

With its innovative build and use of groundbreaking materials, aerodynamic design and intelligent BMW EfficientDynamics features, the BMW i8 is a trailblazer.

You can charge the i8 at any wall socket, or the BMW Wallbox wall-mounted charging point can be fixed to your house or garage wall to recharge the i8 to 80% in just two hours.

When you’re ready to hit the road, the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow you to choose from five driving modes, including Comfort, which offers optimum balance between dynamics and efficiency, giving a combined range in everyday conditions of more than 310 miles.

It’s easy to boast about the credentials of the BMW i8 of course, and multiple awards confirm its stature, including Engine of the Year at the 2015 International Engine of the Year awards and 2015 World Green Car at the World Car Awards.

ON THE ROAD.

The BMW range is renowned for the versatility of its design, and its innovation in fuel and in fully electric vehicles.

BMW i3. A purpose-built model, the BMW i3 possesses remarkable statistics - from zero CO₂ emissions, up to 100 mile range and just £2 to charge*.

It makes fully electric driving possible every day with its impressive range and choice of driving modes. The Comfort driving mode is standard, and by adjusting the drive mode, you can improve the charge remaining by scaling back on non-essentials like air con,

extending your journey by 25% over Comfort mode.

The BMWi Remote App connects your BMW i3 to your smartphone to allow you to remotely access its location and charge level, and to check if it’s locked. You can even set the temperature before you get in - perfect for winter mornings. * 18.8 kWh net battery capacity multiplied by Economy 7 unit rate of 5.53p/kWh.

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curiosity over its taste. For Nigel Mills, chairman of the Lakes Distillery, there is no doubt it’ll be a winner. Tests on water quality there have delivered a lot to be excited about, with just the right amount of peat flowing down the fells to hit the sweet spot.

“The Lakes is one of the best places anywhere to make whisky. We’re aiming for something very drinkable and smooth,” he says, adding that the distillery is part of a movement away from traditional spirit production. “Thirty years ago, if you wanted wine you’d be choosing from France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Now it’s as likely to be from the New World. We’re now seeing the same change with spirits - a revolution in people’s appreciation of flavour and taste. It’s fascinating.”

The Lake District is no stranger to whisky production. Lakeland farmers have kept their own whisky stills for centuries and the distillery is part of an international movement to challenge the dominance of Scotland.

Nigel’s own background lies in accountancy with Price Waterhouse in Newcastle and London before founding a chain of newsagents with his father as his mentor. Over 25 years, the two grew the Mills Group into 86 convenience stores, selling them in 2011 to One-Stop Tesco.

Meanwhile, Nigel and his business partners acquired three hotels in Cumbria. He still owns the four-star Trout Hotel in Cockermouth, birthplace of William Wordsworth, home of Jennings Brewery - and the first Lloyd centre. “I used to visit from time to time and would always stop at the Trout Hotel for a steak and kidney pie. One day, I told them that if they wanted to sell it, I’d buy it. They said they were thinking about selling and they gave me

Just a year after opening, The Lakes Distillery is renowned for its gin, its vodka and its unique whiskies. BMW 6 Series driver Nigel Mills tells us about the joys of leading a business that’s breaking the mould.

The Lake District’s first-ever commercial single malt is quietly languishing in old bourbon and sherry casks near the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. When it’s awakened in a few years’ time there will be quite a party - and a great deal of

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two weeks to make up my mind. So that’s how that one came about.”

Nigel has long wished to bring more tourism business to the town, so when he first read about the distillery project and its planning permission at Bassenthwaite, he was immediately interested. Looking for an investment opportunity and alert to the fact that the project had funding problems, he contacted Paul Currie, the inspiration behind the idea, who had successfully developed a similar venture on the Isle of Arran with his father.

“It was April 2012 and the financial world was still in turmoil,” he recalls. “I sat with Paul and we rewrote the business plan and that began the journey. Two years and £8m later, we opened.”

What’s astonishing is that in its first year of opening the distillery will already have turned over £2.5m. Given the time required for a single malt to mature - the first run won’t be bottled until 2020, although there’ll be a first expression of that available from 2018 - other products were needed to get business moving.

So, there’s The Lakes Vodka, the first to be produced in Cumbria, The Lakes Gin made from local junipers among a total of 14 botanicals, and a whisky blend called The ONE, a careful mix of malts from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. “It’s a unique product,” Nigel says proudly of the blend, which was launched in September 2013 on Cockermouth High Street, sold from wooden stalls over two days at £29.95 per bottle. “We sold 6,000 of them.”

The distillery is also already an award-winning tourist attraction and famed North East restaurateur Terry Laybourne has his stamp on its excellent bistro. “This is a family destination. You can walk down to the River Derwent and

see where we draw the water, and chat to the alpacas,” says Nigel.

You can also enjoy a distillery tour, smelling the casks for yourself and understanding the technical intricacies of production. A recent convert to whisky, Nigel quickly cuts through the mystique that surrounds it. “The traditional Scottish industry is based on using American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks to mature the whisky,” he explains. “When you produce a malt you basically mix the two to create a particular flavour.

“Making the whisky itself is a very easy process. You take some barley, grind it up and add water, although here the process gets more

ON THE ROAD.

Nigel Mills enjoys the comfort and performance of his BMW 6 Series on his frequent commutes between his base in Newcastle and The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake.

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“ I T ’ S A FA B C A R P E R F E C T F O R T R AV E L L I N G F R O M T H E O F F I C E TO T H E D I S T I L L E RY ”

technical. To paraphrase somewhat, yeast goes in, the whole thing gurgles about and a kind of undrinkable beer results. It’s then distilled twice in separate stills and the middle 20% of the resulting liquid is kept. 60% of the process is about storing it in really great wood.”

By law it has to be stored for three years before you can call it a whisky. “It was something introduced in 1916 to try to stop people going blind or killing themselves by drinking it straight off the still,” Nigel explains.

The distillery’s HQ is in Gosforth, Newcastle, where the accountancy and behind-the-scenes work is done. But production rests firmly in

the Lakes. Nigel, a life-long Newcastle United supporter (“it teaches you optimism!”) gets over there once a fortnight in his BMW 6 series Gran Coupé. He has had BMWs since 1988, and this is probably his favourite in terms of luxury and style. “It’s a fab car,” he says, smiling.

His favourite route is to take the Military Road to Greenhead Bank on the other side of Haltwhistle, then join the A69 for about 15 miles towards Carlisle and turn off on the A595 to Cockermouth. “Which ever way you go, they’re all great driving roads for the ultimate driving machine,” he says, with the smile of a man very content with his lot in life and in business.

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A SOUND INVESTMENT.

after our clients for as long as they need us. I think it’s important to offer that level of continuity.”

And advisors have to work tirelessly to stay up-to-date with legislation, says Peter. “I think people would be staggered at how much we do behind the scenes,” he says. “Financial services isn’t given the same professional recognition as solicitors and accountants, but since the qualifications criteria have been tightened up, it’s a very different place. When I came into the industry, there were around 250,000 individuals licensed to give advice. Now there are only 30,000, even though the need for advice is greater than ever. Regulation has brought the standard up, and as a chartered practice we’re proud to be at the top level.”

One of the perks of running your own business is that you get to choose your own company car, and having first fallen for a BMW 3 Series in 1998, Peter’s long-standing relationship with Lloyd Newcastle further developed with a BMW 330ci Sport and has continued ever since.

His wife Deborah has a BMW X3, and even the family’s ride-on lawnmower was bought

M6 driver Peter Grieves of The Morpeth Practice talks family, finance and why money isn’t everything. It may just look like a smart little townhouse, but what goes on behind this particular front door on Morpeth’s Castle Square is worth serious money.

“We’re one of the best-kept secrets in Northumberland - but we’re managing around £100m of funds out of here, so that’s probably no bad thing,” says Peter Grieves, senior partner at The Morpeth Practice, a leading wealth management practice.

Having just celebrated its tenth anniversary and with 750 clients on its books, the business has come a long way since Peter and his business partner James Richfield established it under the umbrella of FTSE100 company St James’s Place.

“It’s about doing what you say you’re going to do and treating people the right way,” says Peter of his life in business. “Newcastle’s a village as far as business is concerned, so you have to be genuine about who you are and what you do.

“For many in this industry, Newcastle is a stepping stone, where advisors look after clients for two or three years before moving on. We look

“ I T ’ S A G R E AT C A R A N D I F E E L LU C K Y TO D R I V E I T, B U T I D O N ’ T N E E D TO S H O W O F F. ”

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BMW M6.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé is the embodiment of the experience and craftsmanship of BMW M engineers, with a spirited, majestic character that you really have to experience for yourself.

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through Lloyd Group. Peter is now a year into driving an M6 Gran Coupé in San Marino blue, and he loves it.

We head out for a spin, the car starting up with a lovely roar. “In business, you have to portray a decent image without being too ostentatious through your car, but there’s also no doubt that successful people want to deal with other successful people,” he says.

An open stretch allows for a brief switch from Comfort to Sport Mode to give an exhilarating sense of the M6’s ability to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. “It’s a very civilised car, but it can move when it wants to,” he says. “It’s a sports car one minute, a luxury tourer the next; you can drive a sedate saloon if you want, or you can have a lot of fun on twisty roads. This car can suit your mood.”

It may be quite a beast, but the four-door is also practical for a family of four. Peter’s 11-year-old daughter Isobel likes this car the best while 14-year-old James doesn’t mind which car he is in as long as he’s in charge of the music. There’s plenty of room in the back for the family’s two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Toby and Sam (Peter’s a West Wing fan) and Peter’s golf clubs.

Golf is one of many sports close to Peter’s heart, and The Morpeth Practice is a corporate sponsor at Close House, with whom Lloyd Newcastle also has an association. “Golf is a great way to network, though I don’t know a more frustrating game,” he says with a broad smile.

Born in Ashington, he’s a season ticket holder at Newcastle United and at the city’s Falcons rugby club, and is also an American football fan. “When you’re a sports fan, you take everything you can get,” he says, wryly. In the spirit of enabling more people to enjoy sport, Peter also finds time to serve on the regional committee

of youth cricket and disability sports charity The Lord’s Taverners. “It’s good to give something back - and it’s nice to live a busy life,” he smiles. “I’m very fortunate that I am well paid for a job that I enjoy doing. I enjoy meeting people and my clients are nice people to interact with. I never dread going into work on a Monday morning. But work-life balance is important and I’ve been at most of my kids’ nativity plays and sports days, and quality family time is something I work hard to make time for. Our office is near where we live so we don’t spend that extra time commuting. I’ve had the opportunity to work in London, but while there’s more money in the capital, there isn’t the same quality of life. If you’ve got your health and a happy family you can’t ask for much else.”

An M6 into the bargain isn’t bad too, of course. “It’s a great car and I feel lucky to be driving it, but I don’t need to show off,” he says, with characteristic modesty. “When you’ve got something that’s very capable of performance, you don’t feel the need to prove it.”

Lindisfarne RoadJesmond

Blindburn HallWark, Hexham

A highly individual, luxurious home in the heart of Jesmond, representing one of Newcastle’s �nest town mansions. This elegant, four storey detached family house is set in approx. one acre of south facing landscaped gardens and has a bespoke open plan Poggenpohl kitchen, six double

en-suite bedrooms, four stunning, large reception rooms and a leisure suite with full size pool.

Blindburn Hall provides a fabulous stone built, mid 19th century �ve bedroom country residence. The grounds of approximately 4 acres include a swimming pool, six stables, training arena and �shing rights. Subject to separate negotiation are further paddocks, a second training arena and a

further 7 acres. There is planning permission for two, �ve bedroom timber lodges.

Price Guide: £3.995 Million

Price Guide: £1.25 Million

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

From Sanderson Young

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EMMA WEARS Bailey trilby hat £60 La Mericaine wool cape £225, Duffy roll neck jumper £165

ALEX WEARS Holland Esquire jacket £365 John Smedley roll neck jumper £295

COUNTRY LIFE.

“ M I X T E X T U R E S A N D L AY E R S F O R A C O N T E M P O R A RY C O U N T RY LO O K . ”

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EMMA WEARS Bailey trilby hat £60 Barbour wool poncho £180 Duffy roll neck £165 Paige jeans £195 Boots, model’s own

ALEX WEARS Stetson cap £70 Barbour jacket £280 Gant roll-neck jumper £195 Jacob Cohen jeans £295 Boots, model’s own

The country set think just as carefully about their weekend wear as they do about their city look, pulling off an enviably cool country vibe with as much style as they do their designer city suits and shoes.

This season’s country style is all about multi-textures such as tweed, knits, leather, wax and faux fur, topped off, always, with an outback leather hat.

Team your look with a smart off-roader such as the BMW X6 here, and a friendly horse (ours is called Ponty and he used to jump fences for a living) and you’ve got the look.

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“ S M A R T C O U N T RY R E L I E S O N C H E C K S A N D L AY E R S F O R T H E E P I TO M E O F R U R A L S T Y L E . ”

EMMA WEARS Dom Goor shearling £1,750 Cocoa Cashmere jumper £185 True Religion jeans £190

ALEX WEARS Jules B jacket £480 Jules B waistcoat £185 Jules B trousers £195 Eton shirt £115 Hemley tie £50

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“ N O C O U N T RY WA R D R O B E I S C O M P L E T E W I T H O U T A B A R B O U R . ”

EMMA WEARS Jofama jacket £355 Rag & Bone roll neck jumper £395 Paige jeans £215 Boots, model’s own

ALEX WEARS Stetson cap £75 Barbour jacket £279 John Smedley roll neck jumper £295 Jacob Cohen jeans £295 Boots, model’s own

Styling: Haley Blades, Liz Hands

Clothes: Jules B, www.julesb.co.uk and at: 91-93 Osborne Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 2AN, tel 0191 281 7855 ext 2 2-6 Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4B tel 01539 723 874 32 High Street, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees TS15 9AE, tel 01642 780 907

Models: Emma Davies and Alex Dunigan Tyne Tees Models, tel 0191 237 3400 Ponty the horse, at home in Neasham nr Darlington

Hair and Make up: Samantha Karen 07920 143 882 www.samanthakarenmakeupartistry.co.uk

Photography: Kevin Gibson, www.kgphotography.co.uk

Car: BMW X6

Jesmond: 91-93 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2AN | T: 0191 281 7855 (2)

Kendal: 2-6 Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BN | T: 01539 723 874 (2)

Yarm: 32 High Street, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees, TS15 9AE | T: 01642 780 907

www.julesb.co.uk

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LA MARTINA

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CANADA GOOSE

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UK – from Newcastle to Exeter – as Beaumont welcomed rugby fans from around the world to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in his role as Chairman of the Rugby Football Union – the sport’s governing body and host of the tournament.

“I attended something like 23 games in total, and it was an incredible experience. To host a Rugby World Cup in England was a great occasion and hopefully it inspires more people to get involved in the game.

“English fans, and the people involved in the game, like to run tournaments well and enjoy themselves, which we did. It was an outstanding World Cup, even if it was a little disappointing for England.”

Having exited the tournament in the group stage, Beaumont is optimistic when he

Former England and British Lions rugby captain Bill Beaumont talks cars, family and sport with Dean Bailey.

“I think the new model is fantastic,” enthuses former rugby and BBC Question of Sport captain Bill Beaumont when we catch up a few days after his visit to see the new BMW 7 Series.

“I’ve been lucky enough to drive one or two 7 Series in the past and the latest incarnation is stunning. I’d quite like the chance to sit in the back and have somebody drive it for me, actually,” he adds with a laugh.

A long-time personal and business customer of Lloyd Blackpool (part of the Lloyd BMW Group), it’s no surprise Beaumont is enthusiastic about the latest release. “They are beautiful cars, and the new BMW 7 Series has everything you could ever want. It’s very impressive indeed.”

Having owned various BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series, plus a couple of BMW cabriolets, he has found a firm favourite in the BMW X5. His sixth BMW X5 is currently in for a service, having spent a month travelling around the

“THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT. IT ’S VERY IMPRESSIVE.”

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The newBMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES.DRIVING LUXURY.

The new BMW 7 Series incorporates exquisitely crafted design, enhanced levels of comfort and an extensive range of pioneering technology, which have all led to it being hailed as the most innovative car in its class.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

LLOYD NEWCASTLEBarrack Road, Newcastle Upon TyneTyne & Wear NE2 4LE0191 2617366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk

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and the game has been a big part of my life.” Playing in the amateur era, Beaumont

balanced his commitments on the field with running his business, Bill Beaumont Textiles, based in Chorley, which he ran for 30 years before passing the reins to his eldest son Daniel.

“The biggest challenge of the amateur era was training in your own time and getting up for work every morning. I built everything, including my business, around playing rugby.”

Beaumont led England to the Grand Slam in 1980, an event he still looks back on fondly. “I retired at 29 so my playing days weren’t quite as long as many of the guys now. Winning the Grand Slam for England in 1980 was one of the great highlights. To captain the British and Irish Lions was also an amazing honour.”

Beaumont lives with his wife Hilary, who drives a MINI, a short drive from Lloyd Blackpool in Lytham St Annes. “We’re close to the coast,

considers the future of the national team. “The team can learn from the experience. We have a lot of young players and I think the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019 will be a good time for English rugby. I’m sure England will be a threat.”

Beaumont’s playing career included 34 England caps, 21 of those as captain, as well as captaining the British and Irish Lions and seven test matches. The Beaumont family connection with the game continues - the youngest of his three sons, Josh, 23, plays for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, and has just been picked for the England Six Nations squad. Beaumont’s middle son Sam, 30, plays in the National League.

“I am really enjoying being a part of the RFU, putting something back into the game. I’ve been Chairman for three years now and every day I try to ensure the job is in a better position than when I picked it up. I’ve got a maximum of three years left as Chairman and my ambition is to see the England team succeed.

“When I’ve finished in that role, I hope to remain involved in rugby. Club rugby is my passion

ACTION MAN. Bill Beaumont in action as England captain against Scotland in 1981, the year after he led England to an unlikely Grand Slam.

“ I ENJOY BEING PART OF THE RFU, PUTTING SOMETHING BACK. . . I WANT TO SEE ENGLAND SUCCEED.”

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reading about sport. All three of our boys were brought up going to the recording of A Question of Sport every other Sunday and they loved it too.”

With rugby still a big part of his life, plus a growing family and a sporting ambition to satisfy of the golf course, there seems to be a lot keeping Beaumont busy.

“It’s a lovely time. My priorities are switching more towards my grandchildren now and I’m very much looking forward to the next arrival. I want to continue to do my very best in everything I do – whether that’s with the RFU, on the golf course, or with my family.”

which I love,” he says “Lancashire is my home and I like Lancastrians – we have a good sense of humour and we aren’t frightened of laughing at ourselves.

“We’re also close to our son Daniel, who is expecting his first child, and Sam, who has our first granddaughter, Annie. It’s a nice time. There aren’t many girls in the Beaumont family so there’s no doubt Annie will rule the roost.”

As well as being close to his family, Beaumont is close to the championship golf course Royal Lytham & St Annes – a host venue for the Open Championship.

“I play golf as often as I can and I thoroughly enjoy it, although I’m not very good. Golf tends to tie in well with the rugby season and I’ll get a couple of games in every week if I’m lucky.

“Hilary’s a keen golfer too, as well as loving being a granny and still being involved far more than I am with the business.”

With a growing family and a set of golf clubs to carry, it’s no wonder Beaumont is fond of the BMW X5. “It’s really an all-rounder,” he enthuses. “There’s room for golf clubs, and grandchildren. I’ve had six of them and I’m very happy in the X5.”

Although over recent years he’s always driven a nice car given the chance, things weren’t always that way. “I had some rubbish cars as a young man,” he says. “My first car was an Austin Cambridge A55 Farina. It had a manual start and was grey with a red piping - not a good pulling machine! Since becoming my own boss, I’ve tried to have a decent motor.”

On retiring from rugby at the age of 29, Beaumont was approached by BBC1’s A Question of Sport, which was looking for new captains. “It was a chance invitation to become a captain, and I ended up doing it for 13 years. I worked alongside Willie Carson, Emlyn Hughes and Ian Botham and we all had a lot of fun.

“They were great company and we enjoyed taking the mickey out of one another more than anything else. We’d record a couple of episodes every other Sunday and it wasn’t too tough to prepare for as I always enjoyed watching and

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650 SPORT COUPÉ.

Toby Hedworth QC drives a BMW 650 Sport Coupė, customised to his own specifications through the BMW Individual programme.

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RAISING THE BAR.

through 22 tonnes of evidence files to secure those convictions. “Whether you’re defending or prosecuting, you have to give it your all, and everyone’s got a story to tell,” he says, adding that it isn’t always a case of representing ‘the good guy’.

“My friends find it infuriating that I always see both sides of the argument, but as a lawyer you have to take a morally ambivalent stance. Whether my client is right or wrong is for the jury to decide. I’m there to put forward my client’s argument in the best possible way, even if superficially it’s very unattractive. Every so often something reminds me why you shouldn’t pre-judge; you might delve deeper and find a respectable witness turns out not to be the person they appeared to be.”

Despite the gravity and sheer volume of the information he deals with on a daily basis, he does switch off at the end of the day to some extent. “I don’t think I ever do a case that involves less than 2,000 pages which you have to read to know where everything is. You can carry two or three of those in your head at once, but you’ve got to put it down or your head will explode, so you do learn to compartmentalise. Going to watch the football soon makes you forget when you realise there’s something much worse in life - namely your team!”

A more reliable source of enjoyment is his car, a BMW 650 Sport Coupé made to his specifications through BMW Individual. “I’ve got exactly the car I want and I like it a lot. In time it will become a collector’s car.” He’s bought cars from Lloyd Newcastle for more than 30 years. “You get looked after there, and that’s the important thing. The cars are great, and how a retailer looks after you is the most important thing. Their service is second to none.”

Just as he prizes the more interesting work over the more lucrative, he can be counselled to forego dull investment in favour of pleasures more immediate, like the luxury of driving a bespoke car. When he drives for enjoyment it’s usually to the Lake District where the family has a long-term rental on what he fondly calls a ‘shack’. “I wish we could buy it,” he smiles. “It’d be nice to have an asset - but I’ve spent the last 30 years spending money on cars instead.”

Never pre-judge, says leading Newcastle barrister Toby Hedworth, QC.

“It’s the one with the lion and the unicorn above the door - you can’t miss it.” As offices go, Newcastle’s Custom House takes some beating. Some 70 top barristers operate in the 18th Century Grade II-listed building on the Quayside, its early 19th Century Royal Arms above the entrance. And Toby Hedworth QC, head of Trinity Chambers, appreciates it more than most.

“I’m interested in buildings and I bang the drum for architecture in the city,” he says, looking out over the arch of the Tyne Bridge. “The curve of Grey Street is the pinnacle and what they’ve done over the river is wonderful. Look at the Gateshead Millennium Bridge or Newcastle Crown Court, where I work every day.”

Brought up in Whitley Bay, Hedworth was called to the bar in 1975 and took silk in 1996. His practice has handled high-profile criminal cases from drugs conspiracies and gangland murders to white-collar crime, police corruption and terrorism.

“I’m fortunate that I can choose interesting cases,” he says. “There are commercial lawyers who have a much higher charge-out rate than me, but no one wants to hear about how much they’re earning dealing with sub-clause 5 of a building contract. My work is fascinating - there’s no end to what human beings are prepared to do to each other. Just when you think you’ve heard the ultimate, someone trumps it.”

One chilling case was that of child killer Robert Black, convicted in 1994 for the abduction and murder of three schoolgirls and in 2013 for a fourth, who recently died in prison. The prosecution team endured a painstaking trawl

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/ ISSUE 02i8. We’ve had thousands of people coming to the pop-up shop and the i8 in the window certainly gets a lot of attention and brings a lot of people in, if only for the chance to sit in a car with that price tag. But we’ve had a lot of brochure requests from potential buyers too. For customers who already have supercar-style Aston Martins, Lamborghinis or R8s, what raises eyebrows are the money-saving factors - because the emissions are so low it’s exempt from road tax and congestion charges.

Lloyd Newcastle experts on the BMW i8 and BMW i3

Product Genius Karl Morrison has spent time recently giving the public access to the groundbreaking BMWi models at a pop-up shop at intu Metrocentre. He says:

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Lloyd Newcastle Product Genius Karl Morrison and BMWi Genius Lewis Munnelly are on a mission to revolutionise the way we buy cars.

Imagine the ideal car shopping companions and you won’t go far wrong with Karl Morrison and Lewis Munnelly - both of them endlessly knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring you invest in the right car for your lifestyle.

“Instead of the usual experience of walking into a centre and being greeted by a salesman, we’re there to provide a different kind of service,” says Lewis.

“The role of the Genius is purely to offer information and advice, in a non-pressured situation. People come in with an idea of what they want to spend and with their own specifications - whether it’s a two-seater, a family car, something with space for their golf clubs or a boot big enough for their dog. Our job is to listen to their needs and ideas

i3.We’ve been doing loads of test drives and the feedback from every single one has been positive. People love the function, how it charges itself when you’re coming off the accelerator, how far it goes on a full charge, how easy it is to charge the car - either through a three-socket plug at your house which works out at 2p a mile, normal charging at public points or a rapid 20-30 min charge. When we tell people about how much money they will be saving, and they have a chance to drive the car and experience how comfortable and quiet it is, they love it. I haven’t had a single person tell me they don’t like it.

and find the car to suit. It’s a question of getting to know them, getting to know what they want from a car and then fitting the car to them, often going on test drives to help them understand the cars in more detail. Once it’s time to discuss figures, we’ll pass them on to the sales team.”

A new role introduced to BMW’s UK centres last year, the Product Genius is part of BMW’s future retail strategy, which takes inspiration from innovative global brands like Apple to radically rethink the centre experience to deliver customer service that better reflects what 21st Century car buyers expect.

The BMW range is extensive, sophisticated and can be complicated to understand - so the Genius is there to help, as a non-commissioned expert, often with a career background outside the motor industry, his or her motivation being only customer satisfacton.

“It is a new experience for people, but when they realise that we aren’t there to sell, the pressure’s off and they relax,” says Lewis. “That’s when you’re able to start really getting to know your customers.”

Lewis, Karl and Geniuses from across the country have recently had the enviable duty of learning all about the new 7 Series, including the opportunity to drive one at Goodwood race track and compare it to its competitors.

“It was magnificent - the technology on the cars is unbelievable, something I’ve never seen before,” says Karl. “Active massage seats, 12 inch TVs, driverless parking - it’s so far ahead of everything else, I think it’s going to wipe the floor with the competition.

“It’s the showpiece of the whole range,” agrees Lewis. “All the technology will be rolled out into other models going forward so it’s a glimpse into the future that really shows what BMW can do.”

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TAKE YOUR PICK.LLOYD NEWCASTLE’S GENERAL SALES MANAGER RICHARD SKINNER GUIDES US

THROUGH MORE OF BMW’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND NEWEST MODELS.

M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé.The joint launch of the new BMW M3 Saloon and the new BMW M4 Coupé reveals a new interpretation of the high-performance sports car. The BMW M4 Coupé is poised to take over the success story of the M3 Coupé, while the BMW M3 Saloon is the new four-door variant. Low-slung and broad-set, they share a finely balanced stance. M-specific design underlines their high-performance sports car capability. Large air intakes and air curtains at the front end, exposed carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium body components, and the diffuser at the muscular rear end are not merely added design extras - they also fulfil roles in terms of aerodynamics, cooling and weight saving.

Plus, both the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.1 seconds (with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission).

BMW 3 SERIES. The BMW 3 Series is one of BMW’s most successful models, and it’s easy to see why. It’s 40 years since the original burst onto the scene, and it’s still one of the models the team and I are always eager to see, anticipating how the latest version will match up to its predecessors. With the latest models, we’ve noticed improved suspension and more precise steering, which means you can enter any corner with confidence and leave it with a smile. A new generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo engines combines performance and efficiency in equal measure and with lower CO₂ emissions the new BMW 3 Series will appeal even more to the company car driver. Plus, it’s available with classic rear-wheel-drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, depending on the model.

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BMW X5.The BMW X5 was the original Sports Activity Vehicle and, now in its third generation, it has once again set the benchmark for powerful design, interior spaciousness and luxury, versatility, driving pleasure, efficiency and innovative equipment features.

With the emphasis firmly on driving enjoyment and efficiency, the new-generation V8 engine, for example, fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive50i, now develops 10% more power than its predecessor and combines this with a 16% reduction in average fuel consumption. Taking efficiency even further is the new BMW X5 with eDrive, which launched in November 2015. This plug-in hybrid version of the X5 becomes BMW’s first Sports Activity Vehicle to combine its intelligent all-wheel-drive train with an innovative plug-in hybrid system. Same beast - different diet!

BMW 1 SERIES.The new BMW 1 Series 3-door and 5-door have been extensively modified since the model’s introduction in 2005 and their appeal remains universal, from first-time buyers to young families and retired couples. The BMW 1 Series’ sporty character remains to the fore, with key elements of the exterior reshaped and redesigned.

Inside, the high standard specification includes auto air con, rain sensor, BMW Professional radio and iDrive operating system. The new models have a revised engine line-up and additional measures designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, leading the way in the introduction of new BMW EfficientDynamics technology. For efficiency, we suggest the BMW 116d ED Plus 5-door, with 83mpg and CO₂ emissions of 89g/km you’ll benefit from no road tax.

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little bubble and able to think through different solutions and what the outcomes would be.”

Paul is usually out of the house at 5am, before his wife, children or even the sun is up, running in the area near his Cramlington home or down to the coast, though trail running is something he’s enjoying more of. “It’s a bit easier on the legs than Tarmac, and you can find yourself getting to interesting places you wouldn’t normally see. I enjoy picking up a trail and seeing where it takes you.”

His legs may carry him further than most, but he still has plenty of passion left for four wheels and is a great fan of the new BMW X1, which he took out on the training run we photographed on these pages.

The new BMW X1 provides the space and flexibility for the most adventurous lifestyle, and the presence to turn heads wherever it goes. With its broad, confident stance and strikingly athletic features, it is unmistakably a member of the ‘X’ family – a family that leads the way in efficiency and has always set the benchmark for premium versatility, which makes it a fine match for an active lifestyle like Paul’s.

“BMW is a prestige, quality brand - it’s a great product,” says Paul, who joined the centre a year ago. “How they operate is completely different, and it’s been a challenge in terms of getting used to BMW processes, but it’s good. And Lloyd is a fantastic company. Our MD is a real hands-on guy - you see him around all the time and he speaks to everyone. When you’re working for a business, if the guy at the top knows your name it makes you feel valued.”

A new face at Lloyd Newcastle, General Service Manager and keen runner Paul Whincup talks training, trail running and why he enjoys a challenge. Sometimes you don’t know where a road will lead until you decide to hit it - and that’s certainly the case for Paul Whincup, for whom what started as a simple way to keep fit has turned into an activity he can’t imagine life without.

“I ran as a child but it went on the backburner, as these things do,” says the father-of-three. “But when I found myself settled, married with children and with my metabolism slowing down, I knew I had to do something so I took up running again. That was about 13 years ago, and I’m still going.”

Running doesn’t mean a jog around the park; 10km is just a ‘short little training run’ for the half-marathons and marathons Paul runs on a regular basis. “I’m going to push myself this year and doing an ultra,” he says. “I’m doing the St Cuthbert’s Ultra, which is 100km and you have to try and run it within a certain time. It’ll be starting at 6am and then running until I finish.

“I tend to run five times a week, but if I’m training hard for something I’ll be out six days a week, twice on some days. It’s not like I’m an elite athlete pushing for my fastest time - I’m just doing it for enjoyment. But I think it’s important to have that discipline and it’s good to have something to focus on. When I’m out running my mind often drifts into thinking about work and it’s actually when some of the best answers to problems have come to me, when I’m in my

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BMW X1.

The new BMW X1 has been fully remodelled to create a youthful and powerful presence, offering a unique sense of space and luxury.

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THROUGH MORE OF BMW’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND NEWEST MODELS.

BMW X1.Launched in October 2015 with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mould, the interior has more passenger and luggage space, a cutting edge feel and the solid engineering functionality you expect in a high calibre car. Its sporty performance is matched by efficiency enhanced by the latest-generation four-cylinder engines and gearboxes. With consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17%, this is proving itself to be a high flyer. New chassis technology delivers leading dynamics and enhanced ride comfort, and with variable Sports Steering and Dynamic Damper Control also available as options along with M Sport suspension, there’s plenty of choice. This bigger, sportier and more efficient version is now one of the most popular models in the range.

BMW 7 Series.The new BMW 7 Series is the definitive BMW - elegant and a dream to drive. Its carbon core is dramatically lighter, resulting in greater fuel economy and sports car agility. It can be automatically parked in and out of lateral parking spaces via remote control parking, while in the rear compartment the Executive Lounge features massage function and Vitality Programme, Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof, Welcome Light carpet, Ambient highlight, and a smartphone holder with inductive charging station.

Standout innovations in operating system and driver assistance include the extension of the iDrive system to include a touch display and BMW Gesture Control, as well as Touch Command, the new BMW Head-Up Display, crossing traffic warning, steering and lane control assistant, active side collision protection, and Surround View with 3D View. This really is a car that has it all.

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BMW X5M and X6M.When the previous generation of the BMW X5M and X6M models were unveiled in 2009, it was the first time BMW’s high performance character had been transplanted into all-wheel-drive BMW X models. The result was class-leading dynamics which are now extended into the new version of these models. They take another leap forward in dynamics, design and efficiency, successfully combining the iconic features of the BMW X family of exclusivity, robustness, agility and everyday usability with a solid commitment to the high performance that defines an M car. Its impressive performance - 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds - works brilliantly with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, and if it’s a high performance Sports Activity Vehicle or Sports Activity Coupe you need, these pioneering models set the pace.

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.When BMW launches a new model, you know it’s going to be special, and this car is just that and a good deal more.

This model is especially strong in meeting the requirements of young families, with lots of flexible space that can change as you need it. The world’s first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats, if you suddenly need more space it will be there. Its generous luggage compartment can be extended from 645 to 805 litres, and with the rear-seat backrests down, this rises to an impressive 1,905 litres.

The standard sliding rear seat bench with 40:20:40 split backrest folds down at the press of a button to allow three child seats to be fitted. There’s also an optional third row of seats which can be lowered into the loading floor, and handy storage options for all three rows of seats, as well as rails on the front-seat backrests with fold-out tables attached. All these features are designed to make life easier when it comes to transporting the modern family in style, safety and comfort.

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HANNAH CONNELL.

A Receptionist at Lloyd Newcastle since 2014, Hannah knew she’d found the right fit as soon as she walked through the door on her first day.“I loved the centre straight away - the people are so warm, and I really admire the customer promise and the company’s commitment to it. Now I’m settled and I know everyone here, I’ve found I really enjoy the customer service side of my job - and I like being at the front. At my desk I’m surrounded by gorgeous luxury cars and I’ve definitely developed a passion for them.” A recent spell helping out in the BMWi pop-up shop at intu Metrocentre has also fired Hannah’s enthusiasm for other aspects of the business. “It was a great opportunity to spend more time with customers and I’ve enjoyed getting to know more about the electric cars and the technology behind them - the more I learn about them the more interested I become!”

JON ROBERTS.

A time-served woodworking machinist by trade and a former manager, Jon’s role as Lloyd Newcastle’s answer to a concierge is quite a change both of role and industry - but it’s one he’s certainly well-suited to.

“I’ve been around the world, held senior positions and know how to talk to people in senior positions - it’s a life skill really, I’m just myself. I can recognise if someone wants to chat or not, and I’m approachable. We have a lot of regular customers and it’s nice to see familiar faces, plus I think the same is true from the customers’ perspective - continuity is important.” While he loves driving some of the cars, Jon confesses that supercars aren’t his cup of tea. “There’s a car to suit everyone’s needs here, but my favourite is a BMW 520 diesel - it ticks every box. Not too big, not too small, a great engine, economical but with enough power to get you out of any bother - and it’s got a bit of presence, a bit of style.”

RICHARD SKINNER.

“Most people who join Lloyd Newcastle do so for a long-term career - our customers see that, and that gives us the edge,” says General Sales Manager, Richard Skinner, who is approaching his 17th year with the centre. “People like dealing with us, we like dealing with them, and the product’s fantastic. Buying a BMW isn’t like buying a normal car; it sounds corny, but you’re delivering people’s dreams.”

The freedom to think out of the box is key to exceptional customer service, Richard believes. “When you’re allowed to do what you know should be done, rather than what you’re told has to be done, it comes from the heart. People don’t like being sold to, but they like being listened to - you listen to what a customer wants and find them the right solution. It should be simple.”

RACHAEL KENDALL.

From the annual golf day to the Christmas market, the busy calendar of customer events at Lloyd Newcastle is down to the hard work of Customer Relations Manager Rachael Kendall. “I’m always busy, but I really do love it - there’s always something going on, and if there isn’t we’ll be planning what’s coming next,” she says. “Pulling together events takes a lot of work and it’s often a learning curve when we do something new. But when they’re popular and have customers coming up and saying how much they enjoy them, it’s worth it.” Recent projects have included the BMWi pop-up shop at intu Metrocentre and a special event to celebrate the launch of the new BMW 7 Series, which saw a group of valued customers sent on a chauffeur-driven tour to the Lakes Distillery for lunch and a private tasting.

“I’m involved in the nice side of things, so I really can’t complain. I do have a lovely  job!”

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EXPERIENCE.SETTING LLOYD NEWCASTLE APART FROM MANY OTHER CENTRES ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS WHO PROVIDE A CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE WHICH GOES FURTHER THAN THAT EXTRA MILE, AS WE DISCOVER WHEN WE MEET SOME MEMBERS OF THE LLOYD TEAM.

TOM HESLOP.

“I love it here - we’re treated fantastically and we go the extra mile to do the same for the customers,” says Tom Heslop, a Service Advisor with Lloyd Newcastle for two years. “Through the day it’s hectic, but I enjoy dealing with customers and giving them what they want. I really do enjoy the job.”

A former firefighter with Northumberland Fire and Rescue, Tom would admit that although the two roles are worlds apart, there are some transferable skills that have served him well in both jobs.

“Whether it’s someone who’s been in a burning building or a family who’ve been in a car accident, you still need to know how to negotiate with people in the right way, how to stay calm and listen to their concerns, and do your best to solve their problems. That’s what I think I’m best at - for me, there’s always a solution to any problem, no matter how big or small.”

ZACH LLOYD.

Less than a year into his apprenticeship at Lloyd Newcastle, the customer service skills training he’s received has already begun to pay off for Parts Apprentice Zach, who won the award for Customer Service Hero in June 2015.

“It gave me a huge confidence boost and a sense of acceptance, knowing the work I had been doing was right. It has also given me the ambition to push on and hopefully get a few more like it!”

Zach says it’s the sense of teamwork in the department and the centre as a whole which he likes best about the job, along with the day-to-day variation in the role. “I never know what to expect when coming into work on a morning and I find this exciting. There is always a new challenge waiting.”

CAROL JACKSON.

With a background in hospitality roles at upmarket hotels including Jesmond Dene House and Malmaison, Carol Jackson has brought experience of five-star quality to her role as Customer Service Manager at Lloyd Newcastle.

“My priority is ensuring that the centre is well presented, our customers are well looked after, and our team members are tuned into what they can do to perform above and beyond expectations. Hospitality is no different in this industry to any other - it’s making people feel welcome in an environment. Little touches that might be taken for granted in a luxury hotel aren’t usually thought of in a car centre, so for people to find those things here really makes a difference. This is quite an imposing building, but people comment on how homely and relaxing it feels - customers feel like they can stay a while, they aren’t rushed, they can call in even if they’re just passing. It’s great for us to maintain that kind of relationship.”

STEVE RITSON.

Only at BMW could a Master Technician keep his hands as clean as Steve Ritson. “I don’t like getting dirty to be honest,” laughs Steve, who passed the qualification in June 2015. “I like the electrical side more than anything, and the electric vehicles too - they’re a lot cleaner!”

Having fitted his studies around looking after his energetic two-year-old son, it won’t be long before he’s back at it, as all BMW Master Technicians are required to take the exam every three years to keep their knowledge up to date. In the meantime, however, Steve is enjoying having time to spend with his other baby - a BMW S1000R motorcycle which he plans on taking to the legendary Isle of Man TT Races next year. “I’ve been twice before and it’s quite an experience just to watch. Everyone needs a hobby!”

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SCOTT SMITH. Assistant Bodyshop Manager, Lloyd Newcastle guides us through the centre’s very modern workshop.

BODY OF WORK.

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Entrusted with some of the finest cars in the region, technology and expertise keep Lloyd Newcastle Bodyshop ahead of the game.

Smoothly efficient, powerfully industrious: the bodyshop at Lloyd Newcastle is a reflection of the kind of cars that come through it.

“We pride ourselves on how it looks,” says David Brewis, Bodyshop Manager. “If you’re bringing in a car that’s worth a lot of money, you want to know how that car is going to be looked after, and we want our customers to be both reassured and impressed by what they see.”

The centre has been winner of BMW’s Repair Centre of the Year on multiple occasions. From the calm, welcoming warmth of the front office, the next step takes us behind the scenes to a vision that’s worlds away from the old-fashioned image of grime and grease. Bright, clean

DAVID BREWIS. Bodyshop Manager, Lloyd Newcastle, welcomes a variety of cars to the workshop every day.

and humming with activity, the bodyshop employs 16 skilled staff, from the cosmetic team to the panel technicians, who benefit from BMW’s constant drive for excellence.

“Not a week goes by when there isn’t someone on a course,” says Assistant Bodyshop Manager, Scott Smith as we take a tour past Bentleys, Porsches and of course BMWs in various states of repair, dismantled and carefully gowned for surgery.

“We deal with everything from major structural repairs to alloy wheel refurbishment or a scuff on the bumper, but we’re also one of only 15 bodyshops in the country which can touch some of these cars. And that’s a result of substantial investment in terms of tooling, training and equipment to attain that standard, and maintain it.”

By way of example, we take a look at the new, purpose-built repair area for aluminium, finished last year and one of only two in the north of England. “Aluminium use in modern cars is on the increase - it’s lighter, emissions are lower - but it’s very different to work with, it has to be glued and riveted like an aircraft,” says Scott. “It’s becoming more and more common to use different materials in car manufacture, so avoiding cross-contamination is an important issue.”

The bodyshop is now equipped with two drive-through spray booths, nicknamed ‘ovens’, both fitted with quad burners that drastically reduce the finishing time.

A slick operation it may be, but the team are still up for a challenge, as the eye-catching BMW M5 in the parking area demonstrates. From the Hamann Mission bodykit spotted on a car in Monaco to the matt-finish Mexico Blue paint pulled from the Porsche archive, Scott has personally sourced each specification on this incredible-looking car, a measure of not only how much he enjoys his job, but how much trust the customers have in the centre and the people who work here.

“We’re given a mission,” says Scott, “and whatever the customer wants, we’ll go the extra mile to achieve it.”

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BMW ACCESSORIES.

#3

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#1 BMW Rear Bicycle Rack from £499#2 Original BMW Care Products – Clean & Care Kit £44.20#3 Tablet DVD System £299#4 BMW Roof Rack System £179#5 BMW Roof Boxes from £349#6 BMW M Luggage Collection from £76#7 Group 1 BMW Junior Seat £452#8 BMW Travel & Comfort System. a) Universal Hook £41.80. b) Coat Hanger £75.50. c) Folding Table £105d) Tablet Holder £125#9 BMW Mugs £13 each#10 Touring Cycle Holder, Lockable £104

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#8 #9

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when Close House hosted the prestigious ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship for the first time. The four-day tournament was played over the championship Lee Westwood Colt Course and attracted big names including Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance, and Barry Lane.

Lloyd Newcastle had a stand in the tented village and ran a putting challenge throughout the event. Congratulations to George and Sylvia Brown, who won the Lloyd Newcastle competition to win a four-ball on the Lee Westwood Colt Course. Thanks also to Year 7 and 8 pupils from Marden Bridge Middle School in Whitley Bay for visiting the stand, and congratulations to Lewis for his a hole-in-one on the putting challenge.

The Lloyd Newcastle stand at the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close House.

PGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO CLOSE HOUSE.

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Visitors to the Lloyd Newcastle stand.

The champion, Peter Fowler.

Enjoying the Lloyd Newcastle challenge.

A welcome for local schoolchildren.

Spectators at the championship.

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LUXURY LAUNCH.

ONE, the distillery’s unique blend of British whiskies. A three-course lunch included a Cumbrian cheese and spinach soufflé and a mini dessert and coffee selection with handmade whisky and Lakes Gin truffles, followed by a chauffeur-driven journey home in the 7 Series.

“Our customers were blown away by the experience, from the tour of this luxury distillery to the experience of the 7 Series,” says Head of Business Michelle Caveney. “People found it a fabulous car to drive and being chauffeur-driven home allowed our guests to enjoy the incredible technology in the back - you can do everything from work to having your feet up and watching television. The new 7 Series is all about ultimate luxury, whether you’re the driver or the passenger.”

To celebrate the new BMW 7 Series, Lloyd Newcastle organised a day of driving luxury for customers with a five‑star day-trip to the Lakes Distillery in Bassenthwaite, England’s premier whisky distillery and one of the Lake District’s most popular attractions.

Customers including Colin McClymont, Bob Arora, and Conor McKernan experienced the agility of the car’s revolutionary carbon core and technological innovations such as the gesture-controlled BMW iDrive system and remote control parking via the smart BMW display key.

Following a scenic drive to the Lake District, there was prosecco followed by a private tour and tasting of the distillery’s gin, vodka and whisky plus a limited edition of The

BMW 7 Series. After a decade of pioneering development, the exquisitely crafted new BMW 7 Series is being hailed as the most innovative car in its class.

THE LAKES DISTILLERY TOUR.The Lakes Distillery Tour offers visitors an insight into the secrets of the distillery’s whisky, gin and vodka. The tour ends in the tasting room where visitors raise a glass to a journey of the palate.

 

TASTING SESSION:The ONE: A unique blend of exceptional whiskies from the British Isles resulting in a drink of intriguing complexity.Tasting notes: Slightly smoky, sweet and fruity, nutty, hints of spice.

 The ONE limited edition sherry cask finish: Finished in Oloroso sherry hogshead casks to create an outstanding whisky.Tasting notes: Sweet honey, subtly fruity, slightly smoky, hints of spice.

The Lakes Gin: A delicious gin with a full-bodied juniper taste, truly born of the Lakes District.Tasting notes: Big, clear fresh citrus, fruity and floral, complex and vibrant.

The Lakes Vodka: Triple distilled to create a vodka of outstanding character and complexity.Tasting notes: Rich aroma with a hint of wheat, ultra-smooth and silky, full of character.

Bistro experience: Bistro at the Distillery is guided by award-winning chef/restauranteur Terry Laybourne and offers delicious food, locally sourced in Cumbria.

Lloyd Ltd. A successful family business since 1964. Over 50 years’ experience in agriculture, materials handling, construction, garden and horticultural equipment sales,

service and repairs, with a branch network covering Northern England and Southern Scotland. Lloyd Ltd offers new and used machinery and equipment sales, efficient and effective servicing,

genuine parts and competitive finance packages.

Ponteland Road, Throckley, Newcastle NE15 9EP. 0191 267 7555. Branches also at Alnwick, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle, Dumfries, Kelso and Penrith.

GROUNDCARE

Machinery and equipment for parks, play areas, estates and golf courses.

CONSTRUCTION

Diggers and skid-steers. Mini, midi or heavy-duty for all of your projects.

LAWN & GARDEN

Mowers, ride-ons, strimmers and trimmers for your garden.

MATERIALS HANDLING

Fork lift trucks and telehandlers for warehouse, stores and construction sites.

EQUESTRIAN

Clothing, accessories, tack, feed and bedding for you and your horse.

New and quality used pickups from our Dumfries branch.

AGRICULTURE

Everything for your farm - tractors, feeders, spreaders and handlers.

REVOLUTIONARY FRIENDLY EXCEPTIONAL INNOVATIVE STYLISH DYNAMIC EFFICIENT

IMPRESSIVE RESPONSIVE WELCOMING REPUTABLE OUTSTANDING COURTEOUS COMMITTED

ADVANCED ECOLOGICAL INTUITIVE TRUSTWORTHY SINCERE CHIC UNDERSTANDING PIONEERING LOYAL

LONG-STANDING RESPECTFUL AUTHORISED INFORMED CONSIDERATE POLISHED ESTABLISHED

RADICAL CONTEMPORARY INGENIOUS ORIGINAL

ECONOMICAL POTENT POWERFUL LEADING

STATE-OF-THE-ART MODERN ADEPT SKILLED

KNOWLEDGEABLE ENLIGHTENED PERCEPTIVE INFORMED INSIGHTFUL FOCUSED EXPERIENCED HIGHLY REGARDED PRESTIGIOUS RESPECTED

REASSURING INNOVATIVE INGENIOUS RESPONSIVE DUTIFUL COURTEOUS EXPERT RENOWNEDEXCEPTIONAL PRINCIPLED AUTHORITATIVE

CUTTING-EDGE PROGRESSIVE.

ENJOY NEW EXPERIENCES IN BMW EFFICIENCY.

Lloyd Newcastle Barrack Road, Newcastle NE2 4LE 0191 261 7366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk

@NewcastleBMW /LloydNewcastleBMWThe Ultimate

Driving Machine

Issue 2

Lloyd Newcastle