Vertu Motors’ Bristol Street Motors Ford Birmingham dealership employee Andy O’Grady has been named as Ford Technician of the Year 2019.

The 40-year-old, who has worked at the facility on Bristol Street, Birmingham, for 17 years after joining when previous employer Hamer Ford closed its doors in 2002, went one better than his result in the 2017 competition to claim the prestigious accolade.

The final took place at Ford of Britain’s Henry Ford Academy, in Daventry, where six finalists completed a series of assessments to determine a ranking of 1st 2nd and 3rd placed finishers.

Commenting on his win, O’Grady said: “I feel very proud to have achieved this award, particularly with coming second previously.

“It’s great to be recognised for the hard work that I put in on a daily basis and I’m very grateful to have been nominated.”

In 2017, O’Grady placed second in the Ford Technician of the Year awards and vowed to work to the best of his ability to secure the first-place prize in future.

To be eligible for the Ford Technician of the Year award, applicants must hold Ford qualified, senior or master technician status and be up to date with training.

Martin Leach, general manager of Bristol Street Motors Ford Birmingham, said: “Andy is a perfectionist and his attention to detail in his day to day work is a credit and example to the workshop.

“I have no doubt that this will inspire others to try and achieve what Andy has and I know Andy is looking forward to defending his title next year.”