There was some big news at VW Heritage in September; founder David Ward decided it was time to take a new role, announcing himself as chairman, with sales director Barney Dines stepping into his shoes, taking over David’s day to day duties running the business as MD.

The move marks a new chapter in David’s lifelong passion for all things VW which began 30 years ago when he started importing VW vans from Holland and converting them into campers. As he put it, “I would hitch over there, buy a van, fill it with organic food that I would sell to a shop in Brighton, then do the camper conversion on my parents’ driveway in Crawley.

At that time he wanted a Karmann Ghia and it was only after his dream had been realised that he hit upon the idea of starting a parts business. “Once I’d bought one I discovered I couldn’t get anything for it. Most people were turning to the States for repro bits but because I was interested in genuine parts I went to Germany and that’s what got us started.”

David’s first retail outlet, selling under the Karmann Classics name, was in Brighton – by this time he was making weekly trips to the Continent, filling up vans with all manner of VW spares before turning home again to sell them. A name change to VW Heritage occurred and eventually as the firm’s reputation for supplying genuine air-cooled parts blossomed, the company acquired Big Boys Toys in 2006 to cater for the growing water-cooled market. The rest, as they say, is history…

Rest assured, the business is in safe hands with Barney at the helm. He’s been at VW Heritage since 2002 having previously founded Street Style and Power, and before that working at Big Boys Toys in Thurrock and Volkspares in London. It’s fair to say he’s every bit the VW enthusiast that David is, and will continue to run the company with the same ethos and values. Indeed, his enthusiasm and personality makes him perfect to give the company the push it needs to succeed for another 30 years…

Barney (middle above) added: “I would like to thank David and the other directors for their belief and trust in me to take over as MD and lead VW Heritage into its 30^th year. David will remain very much involved in our business, and in the family at     VW Heritage. Whilst this role change will allow him to relax a little more, his position as Chairman means the company will still benefit from his experience and knowledge.”

Filling the position of sales director will be current trade sales manager Jeff Abbott (far right above), who brings 15 years’ experience as an international sales manager in the action sports industry, on top of 18 months in-house, learning the business from the ground up. Said Jeff: “I’m really looking forward to joining the directors in helping shape the future of VW Heritage. Having been a customer for many years and having owned a few classic Volkswagens, I have been fortunate enough to experience the business from all perspectives. The opportunity to work with the fantastic team that is VW Heritage and to be part of the next evolution of the company is extremely exciting.”

 

Incidentally, if you haven’t yet seen our new premises in Shoreham, why not come along, grab a coffee and have a proper gander…

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage.