Nissan Halifax’s Jamie Priestley has been awarded Vertu Motors’ general manager of the year award for 2021.

Priestley, who is in charge of the Bristol Street Motors dealership, on Shay Sike, Halifax, beat strong competition from eight other finalists to secure the annual award.

Robert Forrester, the chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: “Our annual awards acknowledge colleagues within the business that have demonstrated great work ethic and commitment to the company, making a major contribution to its success.

“Jamie is the epitome of all of those attributes. In particular, he has shown outstanding leadership and commercial skills in the challenging economic climate caused by the COVID pandemic.

“He has spearheaded an excellent business performance at the dealership, with a keen focus on exceptional customer service and encouraging superb teamwork from all of his colleagues.”

Priestley joined Bristol Street Motors Nissan Halifax as business manager back in 2016 and has since worked as sales manager and general manager following promotions, taking over as GM in 2019.

He said: “It still is only just beginning to sink in. I was surprised to be nominated, never mind win.

“It is an honour not only for me, but also all the Halifax Nissan team, as what has been achieved could not have happened without their hard work and dedication.”

Vertu Motors has been rolling out Nissan GB’s new dealership corporate identity (CI) in recent months, most recently completing the upgrade in Northampton.

Nissan this week opened order books for its all-elelctric Ariya elelctric vehicle (EV).

In a recent AM manufacturer profile feature, Nissan GB managing director Andrew Humberstone cited the launch of the long-awaited SUV and the 2021 Nissan Qashqai, in stating: “Post-Brexit, post-COVID, we’re at the right time in the right place with the right new product.”

Last month Nissan revealed plans to launch 15 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, as part of its Ambition 2030 strategy.