£5.1m investment to create 20 jobs in Belfast and Mallusk as Agnew Group announces new Skoda role
Around 20 new jobs are being created as part of a £5.1m investment in new facilities by the Agnew Group in the greater Belfast area.
It follows the group's appointment to represent the Skoda brand under a new combined Volkswagen and Skoda dealership model, operating across its two established locations on Boucher Road, Belfast and Mallusk Way, Newtownabbey.
This dual-brand format represents a first for the wider Volkswagen Group network.
Sydney Pentland, franchise director for the Agnew Volkswagen Group, said: “This marks an important step in strengthening the Volkswagen Group presence in Northern Ireland.
"The combined dealership model provides an enhanced customer experience, bringing together two well-established brands under one roof, supported by an experienced and dedicated team, while also delivering ongoing investment and new job creation in the greater Belfast area.”
Skoda is a new addition to the Agnew Group portfolio, bringing the total number of manufacturer brands represented by the business to eight: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Volvo, Skoda and Volkswagen.
To support the development of the combined operation, a number of key appointments have been made. Bronagh Briggs has been appointed new car sales manager for Agnew Volkswagen Belfast, while Andrew Bridgett joins as sales manager for Agnew Skoda Belfast. Between them, they bring 30 years of experience within the group.
In addition, a new general manager role has been created to oversee operations at the Mallusk site, with Marc Bunting appointed to the position.
The new facilities are scheduled to officially open on December 1, delivering enhanced customer environments. Each site will feature a split showroom layout, with Volkswagen vehicles displayed on the right-hand side and Skoda models on the left. Enhanced shared customer facilities will be available, with aftersales services housed centrally within the building.
As part of the development, Agnew has been appointed as an official authorised repairer for Skoda at both Boucher Road and Mallusk Way, offering full aftersales support including routine servicing and warranty work.
The Boucher Road site will include over 250 vehicle display spaces, supporting the growth ambitions of both brands. Under the new arrangement, Agnew will become the sole Skoda representative in the greater Belfast area.