eStar Truck and Van

eStar further strengthens Board by promoting Kate Howdon to HR Director

Posted by: Emily Barratt
Date: May 04 2023
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eStar, has further strengthened its already accomplished Board by promoting Kate Howdon to HR Director, with immediate effect.

Kate has been in the HR profession for nearly 20 years and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, holding a master’s degree in human resources management.

During her career, Kate has worked in retail, not-for-profit, medco-legal, and PLC, as well as spending 12 years in the motor trade.

Kate joined eStar in July 2021 from TrustFord, the largest Ford Retail-owned dealer group, where she was regional HR manager, responsible for 13 sites and more than 800 employees in the North West. Prior to this, Kate was HR advisor at Premex Group, a specialist outsourcing organisation offering products and services to the insurance, healthcare, and legal sectors, HR advisor at Manchester Growth Company, a not-for-profit driving economic, personal, and professional development, and HR advisor at Cambria Automobiles, a multi-franchised dealer group.

From digitalising the HR department and building new reward and benefits strategies, to ensuring equal pay across the Group, and developing bespoke training for the Senior Management Team, to implementing a new digital HR and Payroll system, and mentoring new female leaders, Kate has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture at eStar.

Since starting her role at eStar, Kate has personally been shortlisted for four independent industry awards; HR Director of the Year at the HR Excellence Awards 2022, Leader of the Year at the British HR Awards (2022 and 2023), and more recently the Cox Automotive Barbara Cox Woman of the Year 2023.

Commenting on her new role, Kate said: “It’s a huge honour to be promoted onto the Board; I am passionate about eStar and our people, so I’m excited to make even more of a difference now. I’m proud to be the first female onto the eStar Board and hold such an influential position within the commercial vehicle network.”

Steve Bridge, Managing Director at eStar, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Kate to the Board. She has transformed both the HR department and the way that we support and recognise our people here at eStar, taking us all from a start-up with a challenging legacy, as we took over from a failed business, through to being an award-winning, industry-leading place to be for our colleagues.

“With this new position, we have further strengthened our highly accomplished Board, and look forward to working together to ensure the strategic success both of the eStar business and of the eStar team.”

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Promise 2

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Promise 3

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We understand the vital part we play in helping to keep businesses and people moving

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