Harratts Mitsubishi in Barnsley has promoted Pete Davies as its new sales manager who has risen up the ranks from apprentice technician 12 years ago.

Davies has worked at Harratts Mitsubishi since it opened its doors in 1998 and will now oversee the dealership’s sales team.

Harratts also confirmed an additional six members of staff have served at the dealership since its opening day.

Davies, who grew up in Barnsley, began his career with Harratts as an apprentice technician and, following his qualification three years later, spent an additional two years in the dealership’s workshop. Close mentoring from senior members of staff was instrumental in his career development and he transferred to the sales division of Harratts Mitsubishi where he has worked since 2003.

David Mills, general manager of Harratts Mitsubishi, said: “I have had the privilege of working with him for many years and have witnessed his hard work and determination to deliver the very best service to our customers.

“Although the automotive industry is not well known for its staff retention, Harratts has always bucked that trend and we are proud that Pete has worked up the ranks over his 12 years with us and will now oversee a vital part of our operations.”

Harratts recently announced that it was investing £175,000 in staff training across all its dealerships in what will be the large training programme ever undertaken by the family-owned motor group.