Honda supports MCE's talent

Emerging Talent Group from MCE Insurance: Dan Login, Louise Clark, Stephen Willson, Jerome Wheeler, Justin Griffiths

Now firmly the UK's number one provider of bike and scooter insurance, their emerging talent group was developed in 2010 to recognize and encourage individual achievement and career progression. Matt Duck MCE's HR Manager explained "the group have been undertaking leadership training sessions alongside MCE's management population to help equip them better should the opportunity to progress within the company become available to them."

A fired up Matt continues, "made up from a healthy cross section of the company from which talent is being nurtured we will expand on leadership training and behavioural development. Members of the group have been exposed to varied experiences such as a recent trip to the Lloyds building in London as guests of BIBA, where the group had the opportunity to learn more about the facilities that Lloyds operate and how this links in with what we do here at MCE."

Building on their recent visit to Lloyds of London, MCE were delighted to have the opportunity in furthering our emerging talent group's experience of the motorcycling world by visiting the Honda Institute in August. The day was hosted by Steve Martindale, Honda's General Manager and Dave Hancock, Head of Motorcycle Sales (UK). The group was exposed to Hondas apprentice programme and experience first hand the companies' pedigree in the racing and motorcycling market.

The DYNA of Honda:

Soichiro Honda was a legendary man in the Japanese motor industry. The young Honda left school early and worked in a car and motorcycle repairment workshop, where he learned how machines worked and got the skill of building machines. His talent in mechanics became obvious soon, as did his hardworking and self-motivation. By 30 years old, he already owned a workshop and became a supplier of piston rings to Toyota. However, his sight was set on producing vehicles. This started from 2 wheels...

After World World II, Japan was hit by poor economy and the lack of resources. Honda converted bicycles into motorcycles using some wartime surplus engines. Then he simply built his own engines and eventually the first real motorcycle. In 1948, Honda Motor Company was established with the financial backing from investors.

1950s was a successful decade to Honda. He introduced many new types of motorcycles that came popular in the market. He grew his workforce and engineering power. He opened the doors of export. By 1959, Honda became the world's largest motorcycle maker!

Honda and the Isle of Man TT; Why did Soichiro Honda set his sights on the TT race?

The answer is simple - the Isle of Man race was the most difficult motorcycle race to win and had come to symbolize the very essence of the sport. Honda felt that by declaring his ambition to win this demanding race, it would bring his company a great deal of interest, as indeed it did.

The whole life of Soichiro Honda was devoted to guiding his company - He test drove every new models until he was 65. a true testament of what you can achieve with the Power of Dreams...

Today in 2010, Honda boast over 44 different motorcycle models including the exciting new Hornet, Fireblade and VFR. They are the 87th most recognised brand worldwide and current hold two of the top three rider positions in the MCE Insurance British Super Bikes www.britishsuperbikes.com with HM Plant and riders Josh Brooks and Ryucihi Kiyonari combined with leading teams and riders in the Moto GP and Isle of Mann TT.

The Honda Institute:

The Honda Institute is furnished with every Honda model in order for apprentices to learn their skills on and run 25,000 training days in the UK every year. Five areas are open to the apprentices to give the individual a complete experience needed to become a specialist technician, including the recent addition of the Honda Jet, Cars, Bikes, Parts, Marine and Lawn and Gardening. To date Honda has 215 current apprentices on the programme. When recruited into the Hondas apprentice programme you will not only be receiving hands on training but also the company's culture and values, their DYNA, is embedded into every experience.

For more information on Honda go to http://ww1.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/