Foreword by Richard Wells, Managing Director, rts

This research follows our “Employee Retention in The Retail Motor Industry” research project in 2005. The aim of both pieces of research is to identify the key retention motivators of employees in the Retail Motor industry, and therefore provide employers with strong evidence to inform their employee recruitment, development and retention strategies.

rts currently works with 16 UK automotive manufacturers and it is not unusual for us to hear examples of employee turnover rates as high as 50%, and even higher in extreme cases. Certainly turnover rates in the range of 20% - 35% are commonly cited.

In comparing to the findings of our 2005 research, pay and benefits remains a key retention motivator and in the current environment presents a major challenge for employers. However, what clearly emerges from our latest research are low cost motivators that enable employers to retain their best people and give their businesses the competitive edge.  It is also clear that motivators vary according to gender, age and roles and organisations should be prepared to offer flexible packages to reflect this.  During our research we identified some excellent examples of best practice in recruitment and retention.

As a company, rts is dedicated to helping automotive employers recruit and develop the best people. I hope this research will encourage and assist manufacturers and dealers in their quest for highly profitable businesses  driven by motivated and committed teams.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the help and support we have received from Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of the IMI and Stephen Briers, Editor of AM magazine who kindly promoted our on-line research tool to a wide automotive audience via their magazines and membership.

Richard Wells, FIMI
Managing Director, rts