Gloucestershire-based garage, Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, is the winner in a national competition that identifies the best garage businesses in the UK
Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, based in Staverton, is owned by Martyn Langbridge, and has been named as the best UK business with between six and eleven staff in Top Garage 2019.
Top Garage is a national competition launched in 2018 by Aftermarket magazine to shine a light on the best garage businesses operating in the UK. The competition looks at all aspects, including business planning, customer care, investment and methods. Finalists appear in a live final, where experts from the sector interview the owner/managers. Hundreds of businesses entered this year. Apart from Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre, two other garages in the UK also won, in the up to five staff members category and the 11-plus members category respectively.
Commenting on the business being recognised in this way, Martyn said: "Winning of this was the result of years of hard work and endeavour to get the garage to a position where we can provide customers a service of which we can be proud. To actually win the award, for the team and the work they put in, is a tremendous achievement and a great reward in itself. When it was announced, we were all delighted and excited to gain this recognition. There was also a degree of disbelief that we had achieved this when the name was called on the night. Taking part in the finals, meeting the other contestants, many of whom we know was great. Being able to bring the whole team to enjoy the evening was brilliant too."
The award was received by Martyn on behalf of the business at the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Dinner, held at the Jurys Inn Milton Keynes on Saturday 22 June.
The Awards Dinner was hosted by TV presenter and journalist Helen Fospero. She introduced the sponsors, who then presented the winner and runner up of Top Technician and winners of the various awards within Top Garage with their prizes.
Each business received a prize from the company that sponsored their section. Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre received a Flex stock pack of wiper blades from TRICO, which was presented by the company's UK and Ireland Technical Sales Representative, Andy Taylor.
The Awards Dinner was held immediately after the final. Managers and owners from more than 20 businesses faced the panel of judges at the final, which took place at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills in Southam, Warwickshire on Saturday 22 June. To get to this point, each business had passed through a stringent process, including online tests and mystery shopping. Contestants also had to produce a video about their business.
The Top Technician 2019 and Top Garage 2019 comes to you in association with ABC Awards, Auto iQ, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), and the Independent Garage Association.
For more information, visit cgautocentre.co.uk.
