Darlington Colleague Named 'Valeter of the Year' At Vertu Masters Awards

Vertu Nissan Darlington’s Duncan McKay has been named Valeter of the Year at the prestigious 2024-25 Vertu Masters Awards.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Vertu Masters Awards celebrate the achievements of the Group’s highest-performing non-management colleagues. With more than 7,800 colleagues competing for an award, this is a significant accomplishment.
Duncan’s win is a testament to his unwavering dedication and resilience. Over the past few years, he has faced numerous personal challenges, yet his commitment to his work has never faltered. Rain or shine, Duncan is always out on the site, meticulously cleaning and maintaining the grounds, and ensuring that all the vehicles including demo vehicles and showroom models are in pristine condition.
Duncan’s contribution extends beyond vehicle care - he also coordinates the transport drivers who deliver cars, ensuring the site’s operations run smoothly. One of his most consistent and valued contributions is his attention to the customer coffee machine. As the only colleague entrusted with this task, Duncan cleans it thoroughly every day and ensures it is fully stocked!
Jass Singh, General Manager at Vertu Nissan Darlington, praised Duncan’s contribution: "Duncan is a true asset to our team. His work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail make a huge difference to our site’s operations and customer experience. We are incredibly proud to see him recognised with this well-deserved award."
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, added: "Duncan’s dedication and professionalism reflect the very best of what we stand for at Vertu. His ability to consistently go above and beyond in every aspect of his role is the embodiment of our values."
Duncan said: "I’m honoured to have been recognised with this award. I take pride in my work and always try to give my best every day. To be acknowledged for that is really special."
As part of his prize, Duncan received a Masters Award Trophy, a tax-free £1,000 bonus, a bottle of champagne, and a Vertu goodie bag. The Vertu Masters Awards are a cornerstone of the Group’s colleague recognition strategy, highlighting the hard work, commitment, and excellence of its team members.