Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer Ciceley Commercials has introduced 640,000 new workers. Worker bees, that is, at its Darwen dealership as part of a wider sustainability investment that has also including solar panels, EV charging and LED lighting.
The Blackburn-based retailer says the initiative forms part of a £400,000 sustainability programme at the site, alongside a broader £3.5 million refurbishment programme across its four locations in Darwen, Bolton, Dumfries and Carlisle.
Ciceley Commercials has also become the first dealer in the UK to bring all of its Mercedes-Benz Vans sites up to the brand’s new MAR20X showroom standard.
The new Mercedes-Benz Vans franchise direction is intended to modernise the retail experience by 2028, with dealers expected to introduce upgraded reception areas, consultation spaces, handover zones and more digitally integrated showroom environments.
But alongside the showroom updates, Ciceley has taken a more unusual route in its environmental push.
The dealer has installed a collection of beehives at its Darwen site, with the colonies nicknamed “Merce-BEES”, and says honey produced from the hives will be sold to raise money for local charities.
According to the business, the first phase of the project saw more than 320,000 bees introduced two years ago, with hive numbers and bee populations since doubled.
That means the site is now home to around 640,000 bees, which the company says are helping support biodiversity in the surrounding area through pollination.
Ciceley says proceeds from honey sales will go to East Lancashire Hospice and Eden Valley Hospice.
The bee project sits alongside a wider decarbonisation strategy at the business.
Ciceley says it has rolled out EV chargers across all of its sites, electrified 90% of its fleet, upgraded to energy-efficient lighting and invested £368,000 in solar energy systems, which it claims have reduced grid reliance by 40%.
Further work is also planned, including faster EV charging and battery storage technology at its Dumfries site, where the company is targeting the use of 100% green energy.
Simon Wilson, CEO of Ciceley Commercials, said: “We began our renovation and sustainability journey around two years ago, recognising that the star above our door represents a commitment to the highest standards, and our customers expect the very best in facilities and service.
“The MAR20X programme from Mercedes-Benz helped us review and enhance the entire customer journey, creating a significantly improved experience, from the moment customers drive in.
Sustainability is central to our long-term vision and net-zero ambitions. We’ve introduced a comprehensive plan, including early adoption of electric vehicles, installing chargers across all sites, electrifying 90% of our fleet, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, and investing £368k in solar energy — reducing grid reliance by 40%.
“We’re also committed to our making a positive impact on the areas of our sites. Two years ago, we introduced beehives at two of our sites and released over 320,000 bees to support the local ecosystem by pollinating plants and encouraging biodiversity in the surrounding areas. All proceeds from the sale of our “Merce-BEES” honey goes to our charity partners, East Lancashire Hospice and Eden Valley Hospice.
“Our investment continues, with upgrades to faster EV chargers, new battery storage technology to enable 100% green energy at our Dumfries site and increasing our bee hives, doubling the number of bees. We remain committed to continuous improvement, ensuring the best possible environment for our customers, our staff and our communities.
Mercedes-Benz Vans’ MAR20X programme is designed to reshape its retail network over the next few years, with a stronger emphasis on flexible customer interaction, digital integration and updated showroom presentation.
Ciceley’s move means it is now the first UK Mercedes-Benz Vans retailer to fully meet the standard across all of its locations, while also using the programme as a springboard for a wider sustainability drive.
And while EV chargers and solar panels are becoming more common across dealer networks, the addition of a six-figure bee population is a less conventional route to greener credentials.
Iain Forsyth, MD of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK said: “It’s great to see Ciceley Commercial’s commitment to delivering the seamless experience customers expect from Mercedes-Benz, while also making a positive contribution to their local communities.
“Their thoughtful approach to sustainability, from solar panels to beehives, shows real creativity and commitment to our brand’s ambitions.
“MAR20X represents a significant step forward in our corporate identity, setting a clear standard for retail and service excellence across our network, and with all UK Dealerships on track to meet the standards, the future of Mercedes-Benz Vans looks bright, and perhaps a little sweeter."
