One of Leominster’s oldest and most popular garages has put the town on the map after beating thousands of depots to be officially crowned as the best in the UK.
Oldfields Garage has steered its way to the accolade of Top Garage 2023, which is widely known as the most prestigious award in the automotive retail industry.
Based in Enterprise Park and owned by Tim Benson’s family, the business was praised for elevating industry standards in the automotive retail sector, featuring seamless digital sales journey, real-time updates for each customer and a transparent, trustworthy experience from Oldfields’ 10-man team.
In addition, the garage was also commended for giving back to the community it has served since 1991, including food bank donations, Luctonians Vixens rugby squad sponsorship and other local charity donations.
Tim Benson, who is the second generation to run the family business, represented Oldfields in the final on the Saturday 14thOctober and was later joined for the awards ceremony by his Mum and Dad, Cheryl and Paul, who founded the company back in 1991.
Tim said: “Top Garage is the most prestigious award on the calendar because it open to any independent garage across the UK of any size, and thousands entered. After reaching the final last year, I was absolutely buzzing to go one better and pick up this award on behalf of the team. It was amazing.
“Without their hard work, none of this would be possible. What made it extra special was for mum and dad to be there when we won. They started the Oldfields journey back in 1991 and laid the foundations for us to be able to do what we do now.”
“I’ve been inundated with positive comments and good wishes from inspirational people far and wide in the UK automotive industry, our customers and of course friends and family as well.”
Paul Benson added: “I’m so proud of Tim and the team and never thought something like this would have been possible when we started all those years ago.
“We were the smallest garage in the category and the moment we won was one that will live with me forever. We’ve always tried to be honest and reliable providing a great service to customers. This is recognition for how well the team do that.”
The competition was launched in 2018 by Aftermarket Magazine to shine a light on the best garage business in the UK and looks at all aspects including business planning, customer care, investment and methods.
The process started in April with an online submission, moving to providing information about the business, before being mystery shopped by industry experts. An assessment was then made before the final part of the process took place, featuring a panel of expert judges at Delphi Academy in Warwickshire.
For more information about Oldfields Garage, visit https://www.oldfieldsgarage.co.uk/ or call 01568 612436.
