A Birmingham van firm has appointed a new manager to lead its business development.

Ralph Bailey (pictured) has taken up the role of business development manager at Swansway Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham in St Stephens Street, Newtown.

He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry dating back to 1983 and has worked for the likes of Jaguar and the former Washwood Heath-based LDV Group.

Bailey, who lives in Staffordshire and joins the company from Imperial Commercials Halesowen, said he’s excited to be taking up his new job.

He said: “I’m delighted to be at Swansway Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham and overseeing the talented team of individuals we have here.

“I have worked in the West Midlands for the past 26 years and much of that has been working with finance as well as fleet management. The importance of that is I can not only speak to our customers about subjects such as SME finance but also the valuation and taxations on their fleets.

“We have a great basis of good team here and we’re confident of going from strength to strength which will can only benefit our customers.”

Ralph’s appointment to Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham comes after Wayne Ollerenshaw was hired as the business’ aftersales manager. Ollerenshaw joined the company with 17 years of experience in the motor trade.