Essex Business Awards 2008 – Best Retailer


AWARDS OVERVIEW CATEGORIES & JUDGES LIST OF CATEGORIES CATEGORY DETAILS BEST BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY BEST COMPANY TRAINING PROGRAMME BEST GROWING BUSINESS BEST RETAILER BUSINESS HERO OR HEROINE CUSTOMER CARE & SERVICE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING INNOVATION YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR ESSEX BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AMBASSADORS FAQs HOW TO REGISTER & ENTER OVERVIEW REGISTRATION FORM ENTRY FORM POSTAL ENTRY ONLINE ENTRY AWARDS EVENT 2008 EVENT PHOTOS VIDEO AWARDS VENUE FINALISTS ROLL OF HONOUR WINNERS ROLL OF HONOUR LINK TO SLIDESHOW

	Best Retailer Sponsored and judged by Lindvale VW (visit website)
			The category Are you a retailer in the county, proud of your customer service, innovative in your approach to selling and generally feel that you are at the leading edge of sales to the public? When you come to the final stage of completing your on-line entry you will be asked to enter the number of employees including contractors. What the judges are looking for Companies who can demonstrate that they are committed to offering consumers a 'true' retail experience. Selling the highest volumes in a particular market place may not be enough, we are looking for that extra level of service that identifies an excellent retail experience. You may specialise in a niche market or offer a unique service to your customers. Engaging with your customers is the key and we are looking for a business that thrives on recommendations and that is the first choice for it's customers. Specific questions to answer How do you react to your customers demands - do you listen to your customers? What is the range of products on offer and how do you market and merchandise them. Where does customer service and retention sit within your business strategy. Do you offer real value for money to your customers? How good are your front line people and how knowledgeable are they about what they sell?

	Darren Thompson		About the judges Lindvale Volkswagen has been established in Chelmsford and throughout Essex since 2002. Our mission is to provide excellent customer service with nothing left to chance. Our judging team, made up of representatives from our Chelmsford business led by Darren Thompson, are proud and excited to be sponsors for the award of Best Retailer in the 2007 Essex Business Awards and look forward to the experience. We welcome applicants from Essex-based, retail businesses who can answer yes to the above questions and feel that they are the best in their chosen market. Darren Thompson has over 20 years of retailing experience in the Essex area, and knows what it takes to provide great customer service in a competitive environment. As General Manager of Volkswagen Chelmsford, he has developed a welcoming environment for customers and staff alike. "Every retailer, no matter how big, needs to focus on the needs of the customer as opposed to the needs of the business. Without customers, there is no business."