Winning this award brings out the best in local businesses.
Yee Group is again proudly sponsoring The Customer Service Award in these prestigious annual gongs for aspiring companies in Burton and District.
“The competition is more intense this year”, pointed out Simon Chapman, Yee Group MD. “We’ve seen increased attention to the detail in each entry to convince the judges of the stature and quality of each business; and in particular, in their levels of customer service.
“The local area has some great, forward thinking businesses, which have innovated in good times and bad, and there is little doubt that we punch above our weight as a business community”.
The four short-listed companies this year in this highly competitive award category are Home Instead from Burton; First Fence from Swadlincote; Bright Side Vets from Swadlincote; and Running Form from Burton.
Home Instead’s service is tailored to the needs of individual clients in and around Burton. Their Caregivers provide companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, post-discharge care, personal care, medication reminders, shopping and errands.
“Many of our clients are typically elderly, living independently in the community”, pointed out Co-owner, John Winfieldale. “Our client feedback is currently running at 96% in recommendations for Home Instead”.
This business is unique within the home care sector in Burton, maintaining its ‘personal touch’ for clients throughout 2017, whilst building a significant growth in the uptake of its day care centre.
The second shortlisted business First Fence, last year’s BMBA Winners of the ‘Best Use of Innovation & Technology Award‘, entered the Customer Service category having launched and developed new software to deliver additional benefits to customers.
Director, Vinny Kotecha, said, “Right from the start, we observed and listened to the demands of the fencing market. And, we have visibly maintained that ability ahead of the competition.
“On top of our new Order Fulfilment System, that won us the award last year, we have now implemented a ticketing system enabling tracking of customer service. This has been a major enhancement with our KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) speaking for themselves”.
Bright Side Vets of Swadincote is the third business on the shortlist. The practice continues to exceed the expectations of its founders Jason and Kelly Freezer.
“We are now a four vet practice. That’s bigger than the previous occupiers of this building were after 30 years”, added Jason Freezer, “And, we are continuing to bring innovation and excellent service in our clinical care for customers and their pets”.
With around 5,000 veterinary practices in the UK, Brightside Vets comfortably sit amongst the top 30 based on independent surveys. The practice has many examples of its growing reputation from the Five Star reviews on Facebook, with comments like ‘Thank you for being so amazing today’.
The quartet of shortlisted businesses in this award is completed by Running Form from Burton.
This specialist shop, dedicated to runners of all ages and abilities, has continued to expand, gaining a strong reputation for the outstanding advice it offers to runners.
“Considering that the general retail statistics look pretty bleak with retailers posting poor growth, we have bucked the trend”, said Owner Phil Dutton.
“The running sector as a whole has faced mixed fortunes. However, the service we offer in-store helps to shelter us from online price wars as internet retailers simply cannot offer and match our level of service, no matter how hard they try.
“Our customer service sets us apart. Comments like ‘Thank you so much for taking care of me and my Mum on our first gait assessment. You made us newbie runners feel at ease and helped us find perfectly fitting running shoes and socks’ which tells our team that we are doing things right”.
This award presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to showcase themselves. Winning the Customer Service award, or being shortlisted, provides a real boost to everyone involved in helping the business to succeed.
Yee Group Managing Director, Simon Chapman, said, “We are pleased that each of the shortlisted companies has committed to spending a considerable amount of time planning and preparing their entry; and this has really shown through this year.
“We are delighted to be part of the judging process and using an independent eye to take a more detailed look at each of the notable businesses.
“Finally, we really know how valuable these awards can be – and we look forward to congratulating the deserved winner on the night.”
Editors Notes:
The four shortlisted finalists for the BMBA excellence in Customer Service award are:
Running Form, Burton – Owner and Proprietor – Philip Dutton
Running Form is a specialist running store offering runners of all abilities video gait analysis in order to fit them with the correct running shoes; as well as running apparel, nutrition, GPS watches and other accessories.
First Fence, Swadlincote – Director – Vinny Kotecha
First fence are manufacturers and suppliers of steel security fencing and accessories; including temporary fencing around building sites, ARMCO crash barrier and plastic products to the highways industry.
Home Instead – Burton – Co-owner – John Winfieldale
Home Instead Senior Care provides care and support for people in their own homes in Burton and the surrounding area. The business also runs a Day Centre in the town which supports people with dementia and other needs.
Brightside Vets – Swadlincote – Director – Jason Freezer
This leading local practice specialises in Small Animal Veterinary Surgery. Brightside is a new breed of veterinary practice offering comprehensive and affordable pet care for the residents of Swadlincote, Burton and Ashby.
