The city’s unsung heroes are preparing for their moment in the spotlight as the grand final of the 2025 Glasgow Community Champion awards approaches.
The event, which takes place at Glasgow City Chambers on Wednesday, December 3, has a new headline sponsor in the shape of motor dealership company Vertu.
The business joins generous partners Glasgow City Council and Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust in supporting the long-running celebration.
It’s the perfect fit, says Vertu’s Scotland Regional Director Chris McKenzie, who says the company’s community projects allow it to “make a meaningful difference” to the people who need it most.
Chris McKenzie (Image: Vertu)
“Every dealership is run by its general manager, and their aim is always to be the best retailer in their town,” says Chris, who is based at the company’s Toyota dealership in Darnley on the Southside of Glasgow.
“The way to do that is to become a fundamental part of the community, and whether that’s by sponsoring local football teams, working with schools, or taking part in food bank drives, it’s all about connecting with people and helping them with what they need.”
Vertu (Image: Vertu)
Vertu, who represent world-leading manufacturers such as Toyota, Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan, was previously known as Macklin Motors.
Earlier this year, the company held Scotland’s largest synchronised food drive for city foodbanks, who are receiving fewer donations as people feel the impact of the cost of living crisis.
The food drive convoy (Image: Vertu)
“We all understand how important food banks are and how much they are struggling, so we asked colleagues across Scotland to donate goods,” says Chris.
“Then we all delivered it in a big convoy to local food banks, including Glasgow’s Community Food Network. It was a huge success, and I think it also brought staff together, giving them the chance to see how community work really matters.”
Vertu (Image: Vertu)
The Glasgow teams also support local schools, such as Barrhead Academy and Williamwood High through work experience placements, and Darnley Primary, where children learn about possible careers in the motor industry.
“The primary schoolchildren get the chance to make videos of the cars, and design their own – they have some fantastic ideas for new colours, for example,” adds Chris, smiling.
Vertu (Image: Vertu)
“It’s a chance to break down some of the stereotypes that exist around the industry too, and to show young people the range of fantastic careers it can offer.”
Chris joined Vertu in 2013 as an accountant, before stepping up to become general manager as the brand expanded across Scotland.
He is now Scotland Regional Director, overseeing around 20 branches including those in Glasgow, Ayr, Hamilton and Edinburgh.
“I studied accountancy – my mum always says she sent me to university to stop me from joining the motor trade which had taken up so much of my dad’s time,” he says, smiling.
“My dad and his dad before him were in the industry – cars are just part of our family and always have been.”
He adds: “Vertu is a great place to work. It’s not about the cars, it’s about the people, and we have a great team from those in customer-facing roles like sales, to the trade and to business-to-business staff.
“I don’t think I have had two days the same since I started working here, it has been a real whirlwind.”
Chris says Vertu is delighted to be sponsoring the Glasgow Community Champion Awards, and is looking forward to the grand final.
“There is no better night that shows how people can make a difference,” he says.
“I know we will hear fantastic stories about the Glaswegians who are inspiring all of us.”
