Wings Škoda Shatters Records with
10 Finalists in Škoda Challenge 2025
We at Wings Škoda are absolutely thrilled to announce a historic milestone: we’ve secured an unprecedented 10 finalists in the prestigious Škoda Challenge 2025! This remarkable achievement surpasses our previous record and solidifies our position as a leading force within the Škoda network.
About the Škoda Challenge
The Škoda Challenge is a global competition designed to identify the very best in the Škoda network. Dealership employees from across the UK compete in various categories—demonstrating their skills, knowledge, and customer-focused approach. The top performers in each category advance to the UK National Finals, and the winners there proudly represent the UK at the World Finals.
Meet Our Finalists
This year, Wings Škoda has excelled in multiple categories:
- Sales Manager: Nic Wattiez
- Sales Executive: Kieran Slocombe, Dean Lovell, and Jacob Carty
- Service Manager: Paul Reed
- Service Advisor: Lucie Richards, Bethany Wakefield, and Scott Palmer
- Technician: David Alexander and Dan Davies
Achieving so many finalists underscores our team’s versatility, dedication, and commitment to personal development.
A Legacy of Success
Wings Škoda is no stranger to the spotlight in the Škoda Challenge, having celebrated many notable accomplishments:
- Nic Wattiez
- Holds the record for the highest-ever UK finish in the World Finals, placing 2nd in the Sales Manager category two years ago.
- Currently holds the record for UK Final attendances in the Sales Manager category, reaching the finals five years in a row.
- In his four appearances so far, he has finished runner-up three times and won once.
- Kieran Slocombe
- Achieved 3rd place at the World Finals last year, which is jointly the highest-ever UK finish in the Sales Executive category.
- This year marks his fourth appearance at the UK National Finals.
- Dan Killock (current Showroom Manager)
- Previously won the UK National Finals in the Sales Executive category.
- Steph Oldham
- Took 1st place in the UK National Finals for the Service Advisor category in a previous year.
These achievements highlight our passion, commitment, and drive to continually push the boundaries of excellence at both national and international levels.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Wings Škoda, learning and development opportunities are woven into everything we do. We’ve cultivated a culture where everyone—from apprentices to senior managers—can thrive and grow, and we celebrate every individual’s dedication to becoming the best version of themselves.
“A culture of continuous improvement is at the very heart of everything we do,” says Nic Wattiez, Head of Operations at Wings Škoda and this year’s Sales Manager finalist.
“I’ve been in charge of our training for several years, and it’s my top priority to help anyone in any role develop their skills and reach their potential. Seeing so many of our people step forward to compete is already a win in my eyes—we take immense pride in everyone who strives for excellence, regardless of the results.”
Looking Ahead
Wings Škoda has long been a powerhouse in the Škoda Challenge, holding records for the highest-ever World Finals finish and joint second-highest finish for the UK—further testament to our unwavering pursuit of excellence.
With 10 finalists now headed to the UK National Finals, we couldn’t be prouder. While we’re confident in their performances, our greatest success lies in the fact that our team continues to learn, grow, and support one another along the way. We look forward to cheering them on, and we invite you to join us in celebrating their ongoing journey!
Stay tuned for more news—and thank you for supporting Wings Škoda, where performance, teamwork, and personal development go hand in hand.