Creating a buzz: Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer introduces 640,000 bees as part of sustainability drive

• Ciceley Commercials Ltd becomes first in the UK to be fully compliant with Mercedes-Benz Vans new MAR20X franchise standard for its showrooms
• The business is also the first Mercedes-Benz retailer to keep bee colonies - nicknamed ‘Merce-BEES’ - at their showrooms, selling honey for local good causes, alongside vehicles
• Ciceley Commercials Ltd, which has four sites across the UK, spent £15,000 on a collection of hives at their Dealership in Darwen, Blackburn
• It’s part of a £400,000 sustainability pledge into the site, on top of which also saw the introduction of electric charging, solar panels and LED lighting

BLACKBURN, UK, April 1, 2026: A Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealership has transformed its flagship site into one of the UK’s most eco-friendly showrooms - complete with electric charging stations, solar roof panels and a colony of 640,000 bees.

The developments were in response to a new franchise direction from Mercedes-Benz Vans called MAR20X, designed to support franchisees in improving showroom standards by 2028 to enhance the customer experience through flexible, personalised and digitalised interactions.

Under this new directive, Dealer showrooms must offer features such as a dedicated client reception area, consultation space and vehicle handover area, as well as a modern design that is digitally integrated, welcoming, and dynamic.

Family-owned Ciceley Commercials Ltd initially invested £400,000 redeveloping its Darwen site in 2024, as part of a wider commitment to creating more sustainable, future-ready showrooms.

In total the Dealership has invested a total of £3.5 million in refurbishments across its four sites Darwen, Bolton, Dumfries and Carlisle.

This month they became the first UK Dealership to achieve the MAR20X standard at all of their sites.

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.

Iain Forsyth, Managing Director 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."

ENDS

About Mercedes-Benz Vans
Mercedes-Benz Vans has been manufacturing commercial vehicles for 130 years and today offers an award-winning range of cargo and passenger vehicles. With a dealer network spanning 93 sites, the brand has built trusted customer relationships dating back to 1974 - supporting the businesses and community heroes who keep the UK moving.

Mercedes-Benz Vans constantly drives change to keep businesses and lives moving with a focus on flexibility, safety, on-board technology and reliability.

For more information, visit https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en