DISABLED drivers have secured their local car dealership a top award for going the extra mile.
Sherwoods Darlington and Stockton have both secured the Motability Car Scheme regional accolade after winning high praise from customers.
For the Stockton branch, it is the second time the Vauxhall dealership has won the award, a rare feat in a competitive industry.
The accolade is part of a programme of awards, launched last year by Motability Operations, to recognise and reward outstanding customer service provided by local dealerships.
The awards recognise best practice nationally and ensure all Motability customers receive exemplary customer service.
Dealers are judged on how they deliver the scheme, which is assessed by customer feedback of their performance. All winners are automatically entered into the national, annual awards, which are announced at the beginning of the following year.
Sherwoods general manager Simon MacConachie said: “I am absolutely delighted for the business and our Motability specialists Nichola Thompson and Tom Curran who thoroughly deserve this recognition. If anyone goes the extra mile it is them and I can’t thank our customers enough for taking time to praise their efforts.
“Motability is a fantastic scheme allowing people with a variety of health conditions freedom of mobility, the security of a new car and continued independence. Nichola and Tom go to extraordinary lengths to keep their customers happy and on the road.”
Motability is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people. It provides affordable, convenient, worry-free motoring to over 630,000 disabled customers and their families.
Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment can exchange their weekly payment to lease a new car.
Motability Operations general manager Peter Wilson said: “The focus of these awards is to thank our dealers for providing a consistently positive customer experience. It’s important for us to recognise they go above and beyond when representing the scheme and highlight those who are setting a great example of how to do it well, like Sherwoods.”
