9:50am Wednesday 1st July 2009
FOUR local businesses which put customer service at the forefront of what they do have been recognised by a new national award.
The Bolton winners are The Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant, Great Moor Street, Bolton; Rivington Pike Dog Hotel, George’s Lane, Rivington; District Garage, off Plodder Lane, Farnworth; and the Town Centre Cafe, Deansgate, Bolton.
The awards follow visits by mystery shoppers and a rigorous judging review, which assessed a shortlist of more than 50 companies and retailers across the area.
The judges investigated how each business sets prices, resolved complaints, retained loyal customers and exceeded expectations.
Tina Shortle, marketing director of online insurance company, swiftcover.com, which sponsors the Swift Awards, said: “Businesses like fish and chip shops, dog kennels, and ordinary cafes rarely win awards, despite being vital businesses within the community. But uncovering hidden gems in Bolton is what the Swift Awards are all about.”
At the popular Town Centre Cafe boss Adam Simsek and his staff were thrilled by the award.
Mr Simsek, aged 44, a Turkish national who came to the UK in 1972, said: “We take great care in providing good customer service and we must be doing something right as we have lots of loyal customers who have been coming here since we opened eight years ago.”
The Town Centre Cafe provides traditional English dishes and Mr Simsek, who cooks all the food himself, has kept his prices at 2006 levels despite the impact of the recession.
He said: “I know many of my customers are suffering with this recession and I wanted to do my bit to help them so I have not put my prices up despite rising costs.”
He is planning on extending the kitchen out towards the back of the building which will give him room to install more tables.
Another Bolton business demonstrating excellent customer care was Rivington Pike Dog Hotel.
Owner Steven Brindle said the company’s approach was to provide a personal service: “We are a family-run business and pride ourselves on the high level of care that we devote to both our dogs and customers alike.”
The Olympus Fish and Chip Restaurant impressed the judges with its professional approach to excellent customer service. Owner Tasos Pattichis said: “Our team of staff are integral to the success of our business, and everyone is dedicated to providing a high standard of customer care.”
Jed Waddington, director of the District Garage, Plodder Lane, which is part of the G&J Seddons group, said: "We are part of the national Good Garage scheme which gives us anonymous customer feedback.
Much of our work comes from word of mouth and repeat business.”
The garage provides repairs and maintainance to the Seddon fleet, other fleet customers and private motorists.
All four firms will now be featured on SwiftRelief.co.uk, an online directory that aims to gather together Britain’s best local businesses.
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