STAFF at a motor dealership in Bolton have driven away with a top retail award.

Judges at the 2019 Auto Trader Awards have recognised Crompton Way Motors with their customer experience prize.

Award chiefs, for the 50 vehicles and under category, were looking for the venture which could provide the most satisfaction for purchasers both online and in person.

Company owners Lorraine and Paul Richards say they are delighted with the award, as customer service is placed at the heart of their business.

“For our team to be recognised as delivering an excellent customer experience really makes all our hard work worth while,” added the couple, who have been trading for more than 10 years.

The awards ceremony, the 12th annual gathering, took place at the upmarket 8 Northumberland Avenue in London.

Before now the company has been named digital retailer of the year at the same awards.

Darren Moon, group sales director for Auto Trader UK, who presented Crompton Way Motors with their award, added: “There’s an incredibly rigorous process that retailers have to go through to even be shortlisted for a Retailer Award, so to have been crowned winner really does demonstrate best-of-the-best in the industry.

“It’s never been more important to be innovative and adaptable both offline and online, with today’s car buyers being more informed than ever before

“They expect excellent service throughout the car buying process and this year’s winners show what can be achieved when you go above and beyond to surpass customers’ expectations.”

Awards judges split the 1,000 hopefuls into three categories, with two more for firms trading 50 to 100 cars and showrooms with 100 vehicles or more.

Mystery shopping experiences were conducted via e-mail, telephone and face-to-face to whittle down the competitors, before a panel of industry experts ran the rule over them.