ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – SILVER AWARD – Jason Cotgrave

Having had Kenny Walsh win this award a few years ago now it was the turn of his understudy Jason to have a crack. Jason went from Maintenance Apprentice many years ago to be promoted to the Maintenance Manager. This is another example of the people management in Belle Vue. Jason Cotgrave has come a long way in our team. Jason was managed for many years by the Engineering Director who tried to instil the old way of working, but being the technology geek, Jason had his own style of working. Since his promotion to Maintenance Manager, he has implemented some of his ideas to improve the already high standards in the garage. Jason pushed for electronic walk round checks and electronic work tickets for the team of eight engineers he managed. This took the maintenance department to another level and streamlined the paper chase, freeing Jason up to spend more of his time motivating his team and engaging in more learning activities to improve their knowledge and experience. This created garage efficiencies.

The judges praised the way Jason has grown into his role and looked at new ways of doing things, citing the examples of saving money on parts by working with suppliers, and how he introduced, new technology to bring further efficiencies into engineering.

Jason resigned from his role during the pandemic to look after his son and took a part time role with a neighbouring company so he could spend more time with family.